Fort St. John to trial drones instead of fireworks for Canada Day in 2026

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The city council has decided to trial replacing Canada Day fireworks with a drone show.

On January 26th, the City of Fort St. John council reviewed and approved a staff report proposing the municipality replace fireworks on Canada Day with a drone show, using the 2026 celebrations as a test run. 

Due to the region’s wildfire season, burn bans and ongoing drought, July 1st’s fireworks have been cancelled in recent years, with the council reallocating the 2025 show’s budget towards the New Year’s Eve fireworks show and the city’s micro-grant program.

Staff also proposed holding the show the evening before Canada Day, June 30th, in part due to the show needing to take place after dark at around 11 p.m., and Canada Day being Wednesday in 2025.

By holding the show the day before, the holiday would be extended to a two-day experience for residents, as well as relieving city staff and volunteers from the stress of setting up fireworks in addition to supporting the day’s festivities. 

When asked by the council, staff explained the project was originally considered to have the same budget as the fireworks show before staff found the drones could provide significant savings in both staffing costs and supplies.

Staff also explained the city could save up to $5,000 in service fees, as the show would not be conducted on a holiday, and staffing costs.

“Drones eliminate the need for large fallout zones, complex fire-safety protocols and extensive cleanup,” the report to the council stated.

“Concentrating the event in Centennial Park with the launch zone nearby further simplifies staff deployment by centralizing crowd management, technical oversight and safety operations in one location, minimizing the number of personnel needed while maintaining a safe and well-organized community celebration.”

The council vocalized its support for the change, with Councillor Tony Zabinsky commenting it would be good for the sensitive ears of pets in the area. 

Staff explained the 2026 show was being considered a test run, and a report will be presented to council after the show evaluating its success. This will help determine if future Canada Days will be celebrated with drones.