What to know
- The Canadian International Air Show returned for its 77th edition this week, filling Toronto’s skies with roaring jets over Labour Day weekend.
- Many residents, especially pet owners, say the noise disrupts daily life and causes anxiety for animals.
- Some locals are calling for the event to be moved, modified, or even retired after years of complaints.
- Organizers defend the show as a beloved tradition, but city officials are fielding more concerns than ever.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. As jets fly for the 77th Canadian International Air Show, more Torontonians and their dogs are barking, hiding, and wondering if it’s time for the show to finally retire.
The Canadian International Air Show is back, with practice starting on Friday afternoon, and the show set to run 12 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. from Saturday until Monday. The annual affair features aerial performances from military and civilian aircraft in the sky above Lake Ontario that can be seen (and heard) along the waterfront, Toronto Islands, Sunnyside Beach, Little Norway Park, Humber Bay Park, HTO Park, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, and the CNE.
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‘I can’t stand it’: Many Torontonians share their thoughts about the show’s noise
Toronto resident Tessa C. complains of the noise, saying she’s “never liked it.”
“I dread this weekend in Toronto because it’s frightening for people [and dogs] too,” Tessa explained.
But Toronto resident Herb L. says he’s used to it.
“I’ve lived here all my life, so I’m used to the noise,” he said.
Toronto resident Sid N. shares similar feelings.
“I’ve been used to the air show for the past five years, so it’s okay,” he said.
How is this affecting Toronto’s pets?
Tessa C. said her puppy, Sully, had never experienced an air show before and was nervous about it.
“I was worried about it because he’s a puppy, and we’ve never experienced this, but I’m actually very impressed that he hasn’t reacted at all,” she told Now Toronto.
Toronto resident Sid N. says it’s also his dog, Bowie’s first time.
“I’ll probably find out in the coming days,” he joked.
For Herb and his partner Shauna K’s dog, it’s been chaotic.
“He had an ear infection last year, so he was really sensitive to sound,” Shauna told Now Toronto.
Their dog’s going to experience the air show for the second year, and the couple hopes he’ll be calmer this time around.
Should the air show be retired or replaced with a drone show?
Is the air show an old tradition that should be phased out? Shauna seems to think so.
“By now, I see a lot of unfortunate people living on the street. I think that money really could help them,” she suggested.
Her partner Herb believes a drone show is a good alternative.
“It’ll be less obnoxious than the sound of the airplanes, and probably better environmentally speaking,” he said.
But Shauna wants the tradition done altogether.
“We can just lay it to rest, give it a nice memorial. I guess it’s tradition, but it’s kind of outdated and a little tacky given the world’s political state right now. It’s not time to really show off,” Shauna added.
But Sid N. says it doesn’t bother him. In fact, he would rather an air show than a drone show.
