More than 400 east end residents rang in the New Year with a New Year’s Day fireworks display behind the Richcraft Sensplex in Canotek Park on Jan. 1.
The spectacular fireworks display began at 7:45 p.m. and ended just after 8 p.m. with a grand finale that included several large bursts. The early start time was scheduled to allow children to attend the event which also included free hot chocolate and music provided by DJ Animal.
The event was co-hosted by Beacon Hill-Cyrville city councillor Tim Tierney and Jeff Kaluski, past president of the Beacon Hill Community Association. Among the VIPs who shared the stage with Tierney and Kaluski was Orléans West-Innes councillor Laura Dudas, Orléans East-Cumberland councillor Matt Luloff, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Vanier MP Mona Fortier.
In the lead-up to the fireworks, Tierney said he was thrilled with the turnout, especially when you consider the event coincided with one of the coldest nights of the winter so far, with the temperature dropping to -17 by 7 p.m.
The event also marked the unofficial kick-off of the city’s 200th anniversary.
The original settlement of Bytown was first founded in 1826 on the south side of the Ottawa River, across from Wright’s Town which eventually became Hull and is now present day Gatineau.
Bytown was originally established by land speculators after the British military announced plans to build a canal from the Ottawa River to the St. Lawrence using parts of the Rideau River. They chose the name Bytown after the project’s chief engineer Colonel John By.
By the time the Rideau Canal was completed in 1832, Bytown’s population had grown to 1,000 inhabitants.
In 1855, Bytown was renamed Ottawa and incorporated as a city, and two years later Queen Victoria selected Ottawa as the future capital city of Canada.
Ottawa’s 200th anniversary will be cele-brated throughout the year with a number of events to be held across the city using the theme “Celebrate Together” with a focus on civic pride, diversity and shared stories.
The biggest event announced so far is a special day at the Ottawa Bluesfest planned for July 19 featuring Canadian rockers The Guess Who.
The commemoration will also include outdoor youth and family-friendly events at Marion Dewar Plaza, the launch of the “downtown Arts, Culture and Entertainment District” with mural and asphalt art projects, and 200th anniversary programming and/or branding integrated with existing festivals and events.
The Historical Society of Ottawa is sharing stories about Bytown’s history for the bicentennial on its website and it plans to hold a special 2026 Bytown200 speaker series throughout the year at the main branch of the Ottawa Public Library.
DAPO FUN DAY from 12 noon at the Blackburn Community Park. Live music, DJs, BBQ, kids activities and much more. This is a fundraising event for the Dapo Agoro Foundation for Peace.
OPEN CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Minimum of five games! All levels welcome, but first-timers are HIGHLY encouraged to sign up and learn this fun activity. To pre-register 
EUCHRE TOURNAMENT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Join a great gang of people playing euchre. Pizza served at 6 p.m., and cards dealt at 6:30 p.m. Send an email to info@straydogbrewing.ca to get on the list. Do NOT send your etransfer until you receive confirmation there is room for you. $25 gets you in and includes a beverage, two slices of delicious pizza, and a chance at some great prizes. It's one hell of a deal
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
