\\WE ARE VOLUNTEERS AND PRIVATE CONTRIBUTORS

Many guests don't realize that O Canada Orleans on Petrie Island is an entirely volunteer-run event largely funded by the generosity of your local businesses and organizations -- and you may even see a hat or two going around to help pay for things like porta-potties and fencing. Led by co-chairs Harley Bloom and Zybina Richards from Kiwanis Club of Eastern Ottawa Est, a dedicated troupe of unpaid workaholics has worked tirelessly to give Eastern Ottawa a fantastic family-friendly celebration. We answer inquiries between work calls and daycare pickups. We coordinate shuttles and stage setup by taking a vacation day. We spend our Saturdays putting out signs and adapting the program to last minute changes. We hope we meet your expectations, but if we fall short, we offer you a Canadian "sorry". Remember that these volunteers are giving up their holiday so you can have a good time, so please be kind, be respectful and have fun.

​

\\GENERAL ADMISSION

Admission is free - no tickets necessary! Many of the activities are also free of charge. The bouncy castles for kids (of all ages) are $5 for unlimited bounces, and socks are required. Socks may be available for purchase for $2. There is a beverage tent and several food vendors for your enjoyment, which all carry costs.

​

\\PETRIEPASS VIP ADMISSION

The $100 PetriePass is an optional VIP experience that is sure to enhance your experience. Including on/off access to the island during approved times and designated parking area (not during or immediately after the fireworks when the causeway is too busy), a meal deal (BBQ burger and sides) and VIP seating in the beer tent, the PetriePass may be right for you if you're looking for some creature comforts while at the festival. Please note that all PetriePass ticket sales are final unless Kiwanis Club of Eastern Ottawa Est cancels the event in its entirety, in which case refunds will be issued. Our event runs rain or shine! 

 

\\PROGRAM 2023

• 11:00 a.m. KidZone (11-5) and all activities begin, Shuttle, Food Concessions, Beer Tent Open

• 12:00 p.m. Bag Piper Performance

• 1.00 p.m. Official Opening Ceremonies and Canada Day Cake

• 2:00 p.m. DJ Music

• 3:00 p.m. Circus Performance

• 4:00 p.m. Dolonia

• 5.00 p.m. School of Rock Orleans

• 6:00 p.m. Hearts&Mines – Councillor Matt Luloff

• 7:00 p.m. Surprise Surprise

• 8:00 p.m. Garden Variety (Headliner)

• 9:55 p.m. National Anthem

• 10:00 p.m. Spectacular Fireworks set off from the waterfront

• 10:20 p.m. DJ Music

• 11:00 p.m. Event Ends

 

\\PARKING AND FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE

On island parking is extremely limited and reserved for those with on/off causeway access. On/off causeway access is reserved for those holding special access passes like a valid accessibility parking permit, crew, volunteers and other special cases. To accommodate this limitation, we have arranged for a free shuttle service from two nearby parking lots (more on that below). Don't forget to bring a little cash, though - this is where you get you $2 souvenir Canada Day visor! 

 

The shuttle leaves from nearby available parking for $5 at La Cité Collégiale Campus and Brigil on Jeanne d’Arc (North Service Road) at 8700 Jeanne D'Arc Blvd N. Access to this parking is on Jeanne d’Arc from Hwy 174 and 10th Line Road. Shuttle pick up is at La Cité Collégiale Campus and starts at 11:00 a.m. Goes to Petrie, picks up passengers and keeps looping throughout the day. We have four (4) shuttles that will be doing this loop continuously through the day. Last shuttles leave each pickup and drop off location at 7:00 p.m. There is no shuttle service after the fireworks.

 

\\DIVERSITY, LANGUAGE AND REPRESENTATION

As a volunteer-led organization, our scope and reach is at times limited by the volunteers we are able to attract. Throughout our program, we have endeavoured to include representation from various communities from across the Canadian tapestry, but we also are very aware that try as we may, we can always do better. While our program is designed to be bilingual, inclusive and sensitive to First Nation communities, we welcome any interested party in actively helping us to shore up those areas where we have fallen short; your volunteerism is key to our success in this effort. That said, portions of our communications (such as the website and some social media presence) are not available in French; should you be, or know of, a resource that can help our small volunteer crew, we would love to hear from you.

 

\\FOOD AND BEER

As far as food, feel free to bring your own and have a picnic, buy some from the food concessions, or do a combo (bring some sandwiches and buy an ice cream?) You are not permitted to bring your own beer onto the island, and consumption of beer is limited to the beer tent (and as an added bonus, all the proceeds from the beer you buy goes towards community programs like O Canada Orleans, hosted by Kiwanis Eastern Ottawa Est!)

​

\\WEATHER

We wish we could control the weather, but we cannot. If it rains, it rains. We had a fantastic mud party a few years back, and civic pride shone through despite the downpour. We will try to have as high a threshold as possible for the fireworks. We ask that everyone remain respectful and understanding, especially for matters outside of our control. We are also keeping a close eye on the weather conditions with respect to air quality and fireworks, and will follow Public Health and Ottawa Fire Services guidance on these matters.

​

Please ensure that you are aware of the Air Quality Health Index and forecasted weather conditions. We are monitoring these conditions throughout the day. Per Environment Canada, air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour. For more information on protecting yourself from outdoor air pollution including wildfire smoke, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca

​

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a scale that describes regional air quality and what it means to your health. The scale is numbered from 1 to 10+ and shows the relative health risk associated with the air pollution level in the community. The higher the value of the AQHI the greater the risk and the need to take precautions. When the AQHI is 7 or greater (high) for 1 hour or more, or if the AQHI has not reached the high risk category but there is an air quality concern for a particular area that is expected to last for at least three hours, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) will jointly issue a Special Air Quality Statement or a Smog and Air Health Advisory. When an alert has been issued by ECCC and MECP, Ottawa Public Health notifies service providers of vulnerable residents and provides standard information on precautions. OPH also amplifies ECCC and MECP messaging to the public via social media.

 

\\THESE THINGS ARE NOT ALLOWED

We will be abiding by the same rules that are always in effect at Petrie Island. You may not consume your own alcohol, and dogs are not permitted on the island. You will be expected to show respect for the volunteers, other guests and authorities. Failure to do so may result in being asked to leave the premises.

​