‘In our construction era’: Despite ongoing construction, Carleton Place promises full Canada Day celebration

From live music and inflatable games to fireworks over the Mississippi River, Carleton Place had announced a full day of Canada Day festivities set for July 1, 2026. According to organizers, this year’s event has added several new features aimed at making the celebration more accessible and convenient for both residents and visitors.

According to a media release from the Town of Carleton Place, their annual Canada Day celebration will take place at Riverside Park from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 2 p.m. The event will be jam-packed full of entertainment, outdoor activities, food vendors and community programming before the evening concludes with a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.

To keep the whole family entertained, there will be family-friendly programming running throughout the afternoon and evening, including Airbounce inflatable games and a FIFA World Cup-themed craft and activity area.

While ongoing construction projects will leave parts of Riverside Park looking different this year, town officials are playing into the construction with their theme.

“In Our Construction Era” as a theme acknowledges the changes to the site, while reassuring residents that the popular celebration will continue uninterrupted and with the same festive atmosphere, according to town officials.

Among the biggest additions this year is a new bicycle valet service, which encourages attendees to cycle to the event and securely park their bikes onsite. The initiative is being supported by the Carleton Place Environmental Advisory Committee and funded through Lanark County’s Local Tourism Initiatives Fund.

The town is also introducing a free bus shuttle service this year to help alleviate parking pressures and reduce traffic congestion around Riverside Park before and after the event.

With no onsite parking available during the celebration, organizers are encouraging attendees to take advantage of the new shuttle service, bicycle valet or other alternative transportation options.

According to the town, pick-up and drop-off locations for the shuttle are expected to be announced by June 8 through their website and event Facebook page.

Riverside Beach and the splash pad will also be available throughout the day, with lifeguards on site at the beach from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The splash pad will remain open until 8 p.m. and public washrooms will remain open until 10 p.m.

Those interested in volunteering at this year’s event can sign up by contacting Jessica Hansen at jhansen@carletonplace.ca.