Canada Day weekend is expected to finally feel like summer. The first long weekend of the season is upon us, and temperatures are expected to climb well above 30 C. With many celebrations and festivities planned, it’s important to note what’s open and closed in the city. Here’s a look at what’s happening in Toronto this Canada Day weekend: Where you can find Canada Day celebrations: Mel Lastman Square — The city is hosting a free official celebration of Canada’s 151st birthday at Mel Lastman Square, starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 10:30 p.m. with a fireworks finale. There will be performances from Kristin Fung, Los Poetas, and Shakura S’Aida on the main stage, and DJs will be spinning on a separate platform until 9:15 p.m. Face painting, a sidewalk mural and hula hooping are also scheduled. Canada Day at Thomson Memorial Park — This event promises fun for all ages, with the day kicking off with a pancake breakfast and a slo-pitch senior’s game at 10 a.m. The event will have live entertainment beginning at 10:30 a.m., rides, crafts, and a wildlife exhibit. A Canada Day parade will start at 4 p.m. on Brimley Rd. Where to see fireworks on Canada Day As always, there will be firework displays across the city in celebration of the country’s special day. Those looking to take in a show can check out: Woodbine Park/Ashbridge’s Bay Park, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Downsview Park, beginning at dusk Milliken Park, beginning at 10 p.m. Amesbury Park, beginning at 9:45 p.m. Etobicoke Centennial Park, beginning at 10 p.m. Stan Wadlow Park, beginning at 10 p.m. Weston Lions Park, beginning at 10 p.m. What’s closed on Sunday, Canada Day: Canada Post Banks Government offices Toronto Public Libraries What’s open on Sunday, Canada Day: LCBO The Beer Store (some exceptions) Yorkdale Mall Scarborough Town Centre Fairview Mall Sherway Gardens Dufferin Mall Bayview Village Shopping Centre What’s closed on the holiday Monday: Canada Post Banks Government offices Toronto Public Libraries Garbage and recycling collection (postponed until the next day) LCBO The Beer Store Yorkdale Mall Scarborough Town Centre Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Fairview Mall Sherway Gardens Dufferin Mall Bayview Village Shopping Centre What’s open all weekend (June 30-July 2): TTC is operating on Sunday service for Canada Day and holiday service on Monday (Holiday service means all TTC routes will operate on Sunday schedules, but will start at 6 a.m. Any routes that do not normally operate on Sundays, will not operate on the holiday.) GO Transit will be running on a Saturday schedule on Monday Attractions The ROM The AGO Ripley’s Aquarium Bata Shoe Museum Centreville Amusement Park Ontario Science Centre Canada’s Wonderland CN Tower Toronto Zoo Casa Loma Riverdale Farm Shopping Eaton Centre Vaughan Mills Square One Shopping Centre Grocery store hours will vary depending on the location.<doc-sep>A sea of red and white flooded the Alberta Legislature grounds Sunday, as thousands gathered to celebrate Canada Day together. "We wear red and white, we celebrate the Maple Leaf," Premier Rachel Notley told the crowd in her opening remarks. "But we also do that while wearing ballcaps, while wearing turbans, while wearing cowboy boots, while wearing sandals, all the colours of the rainbow and, indeed, often wearing the rainbow itself. "That's who we are as Albertans, that's who we are as Canadians and we have a right to be proud." No matter how people come to live in Canada, Notley said, everyone across the nation is lucky to be in the country. "Things are getting a little dicey south of the border, things are getting a little dicey in other parts of the world but here in our country we choose to open our doors," she said. The celebration included musical performances by various cultural groups, countless food options, as well as a Canada Day trivia contest. Fireworks are also planned at the High Level Bridge, south of the Alberta Legislature building, at 11 p.m.<doc-sep>Send this page to someone via email Americans paid tribute to their northern neighbours by saying sorry for U.S. President Donald Trump while sharing what they are thankful for as the Great White North celebrated Canada Day. Canadians celebrated the country’s 151st birthday on Sunday with fireworks and celebrations that stretched across the nation. READ MORE: Americans are saying #ThanksCanada in wake of Donald Trump’s attack on Justin Trudeau “No matter where we are, today, as Canadians, we celebrate Canada and the people who have built the country we love,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. ““We’re 37 million – strong in our differences, proud of our diversity, and united by our dreams. From one generation to the next, Canadians have brought our country’s promise to life, with hard work, bold vision, and determination. Story continues below advertisement “From Ontario steel to Quebec aluminum, from agriculture and the energy sector in the Prairies and the North, to forestry in British Columbia and fisheries in the Atlantic, Canadians get the job done – and build our communities along the way,” the prime minister said. READ MORE: Timeline of Donald Trump’s war of words (and trade) with Justin Trudeau Canada Day celebrations comes amid a trade dispute with the U.S., while the American president has fired off several potshots at Trudeau and Canada’s “unfair” trade practices. However, that didn’t stop some Americans from wishing the neighbours to the north a “happy birthday” while apologizing for their president. Dear Canada, Please know that our president doesn’t reflect all our views that we Americans have. I hope your day is filled with Poutine, maple syrup, Tim Hortons, hockey re-runs and apologies. Sincerely, A friendly neighbor.#canadaDay — American Dad🇺🇸 (@SaulOdenkirk) July 1, 2018 “Dear Canada, Please know that our president doesn’t reflect all our views that we Americans have. I hope your day is filled with Poutine, maple syrup, Tim Hortons, hockey re-runs and apologies. Sincerely, A friendly neighbor #canadaDay,” @AmericanDad tweeted. Happy Birthday, Canada! I know we suck as neighbors right now & if you build a polite privacy hedge along the border, we'll totally understand. Thanks for being a beacon of hope and leadership in the face of American tyranny. We're proud to call you friends. 🇨🇦#CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/ToEyDp9zhR — Kaz Weida (@kazweida) July 1, 2018 “Happy Birthday, Canada! I know we suck as neighbors right now & if you build a polite privacy hedge along the border, we’ll totally understand,” Kaz Weida tweeted. “Thanks for being a beacon of hope and leadership in the face of American tyranny. We’re proud to call you friends. #CanadaDay” Happy #CanadaDay. Sorry there's rot in your basement, guys. We'll fix this. — Steve Marmel (@Marmel) July 1, 2018 Story continues below advertisement “Happy #CanadaDay. Sorry there’s rot in your basement, guys. We’ll fix this,” Steve Marmel commented. Oh Canada…!!! Happy Canada Day to our neighbors to the north. We do apologize for "The Abomination." We love you. #CanadaDay🇨🇦 — Mo Gaffney (@mogaffney) July 1, 2018 “Oh Canada…!!! Happy Canada Day to our neighbors to the north. We do apologize for ‘The Abomination.’ We love you. #CanadaDay,” another Twitter user commented. Following the G7 summit in Quebec last month, many Americans turned to social media to thank Canada after the Trump administration attacked Trudeau, calling the prime minister “meek” and that he “stabbed us in the back.” American music writer and critic David Wild appears to have kicked off the social media initiative, by calling on his countrymen to “#ThankCanada for things we love they’ve brought to our lives.” The writer went on to thank the Great White North for musicians to the likes of Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Drake and Leonard Cohen. He also gave a shout out to SCTV and, of course, hockey. READ MORE: Donald Trump again lashes out at Justin Trudeau and G7 summit: ‘What’s your problem, Justin?’ Former American diplomat and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nicholas Burns, pointed out several instances in which Canada came to the aid of America, including Canada’s role in saving American lives during the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. “Canada spirited four American hostages out of Iran in 1979, welcomed thousands of stranded U.S. airline passengers on 9/11, has our back in every war, shares the world’s longest undefended border with us and a symbiotic North American economy. THE best neighbour we could have,” Burns tweeted. Story continues below advertisement #Canada spirited four American hostages out of Iran in 1979, welcomed thousands of stranded U.S. airline passengers on 9/11, has our back in every war, shares the world’s longest undefended border with us and a symbiotic North American economy. THE best neighbor we could have. https://t.co/6c9qcPXn3C — Nicholas Burns (@RNicholasBurns) June 10, 2018 Here’s a look at more #CanadaDay birthday wishes from the U.S. Its #CanadaDay. The day Americans turn northward and sigh longingly. — Dave Foley (@DaveSFoley) July 1, 2018 Happy #CanadaDay to our neighbors up north! Please know the majority of us Americans still think of you as our friends & we appreciate you. We’re so sorry for the trash in our White House stinking up our country. It’s embarrassing. But we’re working on cleaning it up! — S.J. Frost (@SJ_Frost) July 1, 2018 Happy Canada Day to our friends up north!! Most Americans aren't arrogant enough to think we navigate this world alone.#CanadaDay — Devin Duke (@sirDukeDevin) July 1, 2018 Happy #CanadaDay to friends, cast and crew to the north! Please be reassured that we Americans love and appreciate you – despite the fact that you’re now apparently a national security threat. 😂 — Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) July 1, 2018 Happy Birthday Canada! Don’t judge all Americans by the example of our TEMPORARY orange menace. We’re really not all like that! #CanadaDay — Marie 🗽🌊 (@Merrirrro) July 1, 2018 Happy Canada Day! Americans love you Canada 🇺🇸❤️🇨🇦 #WeThePeople (the sane people) of USA stand with you always! #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/1uLBFo03bz — Dawn☮️ #FamilesBelongTogether💔😢 (@dawnresist) July 1, 2018 Happy 151st, our dear neighbor to the north. Not all of us Americans are pompous jerks. Enjoy your day!! 🇨🇦#CanadaDay — Sir Randolph (@black2infinity) July 1, 2018<doc-sep>Share this Story: 4 recipes perfect for your Canada Day party 4 recipes perfect for your Canada Day party Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Canada Day’s coming up – let’s eat! And let’s enjoy foods reflective of everything that is great about our country (cannabis cooking notwithstanding – that’s for another day and another food page!) As Canadians we enjoy foods that pay homage to the places where we live – be it poutine in Quebec to lobster from the Atlantic provinces, to Montreal’s smoked meat, Ontario’s butter tarts, Alberta’s beef, Canadian bacon just about everywhere and, of course, maple syrup. Oh – and beer. It wouldn’t be Canada Day without quaffing a cold one (even a non-alcoholic one) and a barbecue. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or 4 recipes perfect for your Canada Day party Back to video And let’s not forget our awesome selection of award-winning wines and spirits – vodka made from our icebergs, ice wines made from our famous grapes. So, wear your national spirit with pride, and don something red and white this weekend. And pay tribute to this special birthday by paying it forward – donating to a worthy cause, inviting someone over to celebrate, shaking hands with total strangers. And singing our anthem loud and proud. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content After all, that’s what being Canadian is all about! Slow-Cooker Beef Poutine This super-simple crowd-pleasing recipe uses basic pantry ingredients that come together in a snap – you’re free to play all day as dinner simmers in the slow cooker! Recipe courtesy Canadabeef.ca. 1/2 cup (125mL) barbecue sauce 1/4 cup (60mL) EACH red wine, steak sauce and Worcestershire sauce 1 onion, cut into wedges 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 lbs (1.5 kg) beef blade pot roast 4 large potatoes 1 cup (250mL) cheese curds 2/3 cup (150mL) green onions, sliced Combine first 6 ingredients in slow cooker. Add beef. Slow cook, covered, on LOW for 8 to 10 hours (or 4 hours on HIGH) or until beef is fork tender. Meanwhile, cut potatoes into chunky sticks or wedges and toss with some olive or vegetable oil and coarse salt. Place on foil lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Roast in 400F (200C) oven, turning occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes or until browned and tender. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Remove twine from beef; use two forks to pull beef into shreds. Serve over cooked potatoes and top with cheese curds and green onions. Serves 6. Fresh Lobster Rolls Recipe courtesy The Food and Culinary Dietitians of Canada e-cookbook. 11 oz. (320 g) cooked, chopped, and chilled lobster (about 3 small lobsters) 1-2 celery stalks, finely chopped 1/4 cup (60mL) mayo 2 tsp. (10mL) fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp. (30mL) melted butter 1/4 tsp. (1mL) garlic powder 1 tsp. (5mL) parsley, finely chopped 4 hot dog buns 4 lettuce leaves, coarsely chopped 1 green onion, thinly sliced to garnish Salt & pepper, to taste In a large bowl, combine first four ingredients. Chill filling in fridge until use. In a small mixing bowl, combine butter, garlic powder and parsley. Brush outer sides of each bun with butter mixture. In a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, toast each side of bun for about 1-2 minutes until crisp and golden.Place lettuce in each bun and top with about 1/2 cup/60mL of lobster filling. Garnish with green onion, if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Makes 4 servings. Maple Drop Cocktail Sure you can use maple syrup everywhere – in this cocktail, courtesy Casamigos Reposado Tequila, it makes for the perfect Canada Day cocktail. Casamigostequila.com. 1.5 oz. favourite tequila 2 Tbsp. (30mL) fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 Tbsp. (22mL) Canadian maple syrup .5 oz. almond liqueur 2 dashes Black Walnut bitters Hot Water Lemon peel Star anise Combine all ingredients into glass coffee mug. Top off with hot water. Stir well and garnish with a lemon peel and star anise. Ice Wine Creme Brulee In this delightful version of this famous dessert, Canada’s fave chef Anna Olson does not use eggs – instead uses the acidity of the icewine to set the cream. Courtesy Bake with Anna Olson (Foodnetwork.ca.) Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Custard 2 1/2 cups (625mL) whipping cream 3/4 cup (175mL) sugar 1/2 cup (125mL) icewine or other sweet dessert wine 2 Tbsp. (30mL) lemon juice Oat Brulee & Assembly 1/4 cup (60mL) maple syrup 3 Tbsp. (45mL) regular rolled oats (not instant) 1 1/2 cups (325mL) mixed fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries Custard: Heat cream and sugar over medium heat and whisk occasionally, heating just until sugar has fully dissolved. Remove pot from heat and stir in icewine and lemon juice. Allow mixture to cool for 15 minutes, then carefully pour into serving dishes (you can use wine glasses, champagne flutes, or other desired attractive glassware, since you will not be using a torch to “brulee” this dessert). Chill overnight to set (these custards need at least 8 hours to set). Oat Brulee & Assembly: For oat brulee, preheat oven to 375F (190C). Line a pie plate with foil and spray with food release spray. Stir maple syrup and oats until oats are fully coated and then pour this into prepared pie place, swirling to make an even and thin layer. Bake this for 15 to 20 minutes, until bubbling and a darker brown at edges. Cool completely to room temperature.<doc-sep>
Toronto remains under a heat warning with the temperature expected to reach 35 C as the city celebrates Canada Day. It will feel like closer to 45 with the humidity. The city is in the midst of an "extreme heat event," Environment Canada said in its warning on Sunday. Temperatures well above seasonal Seasonal temperatures at this time of year should be around the mid 20s for Toronto and surrounding regions, according to Gerald Cheng, a meteorologist for Environment Canada. "It's a heat wave for sure, and it's stifling," he told CBC Toronto. "If you look at the forecast, there is no relief in sight. We are looking at temperatures 30 or above all the way until Friday." It's a heat wave for sure and it's stifling. We are looking at temperatures 30 or above all the way until Friday. - Gerald Chend Cheng said that overnight temperatures will also be above seasonal. Based on the forecast, the temperature is staying at 20 or above even during night time, so people are not getting a break from the heat, the meteorologist said. Most of the province is still under a heat warning. (Mike Laanela/CBC) Toronto Public Health, meanwhile, has extended its heat warning for the city. It is advising people to take steps to prevent health-related illnesses. All seven cooling centres in the city are open. Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's medical officer of health, said the extended heat warning will remain in place until further notice. During the extended heat warning, people are encouraged to visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids. People at risk of heat-related illnesses include those with chronic illnesses, people with limited mobility or certain mental health illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications, and the homeless. Cooling centres In addition to its cooling centres, there are many other places where people can go to escape the heat, the city said. There are swimming pools, beaches, air-conditioned shopping malls, local libraries and 180 air-conditioned community centres. For people experiencing homelessness, the city said TTC tokens are available at several drop-ins throughout the city to be used to get to cool places. Health authorities say members of the public should take precaution, including going to cooling centres, to beat the heat. (Muriel Draaisma/CBC) Health officials say people can beat the heat by taking these steps: • Drink lots of cool water even before feeling thirsty. • Go to air-conditioned places, including shopping malls, local libraries and community centres. • Take cool showers or baths or use cool, wet towels to cool down. • Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing and when outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat. • Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella. • Reschedule or plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day. • Never leave seniors, children or pets unattended in a car. The sweltering weather is expected to persist in Toronto this week.