The blank artillery fire will take place as part of an event celebrating the 200th anniversary of Bytown

The Canadian Armed Forces is advising residents not to be alarmed if they hear loud cannon fire on Saturday in downtown Ottawa.

As part of an event commemorating the 200th anniversary of Bytown, members of the 30th Field Artillery Regiment will fire blank 105mm howitzer rounds from Parliament Hill approximately four times between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., to start the Canadian Military Engineer assault boat race heats.

“People nearby should expect a series of sudden, loud booms at intervals during the competition. No live ammunition will be used,” the Canadian Armed Forces wrote in an advisory.

“The cannon fire is a planned and controlled CAF ceremonial activity,” the advisory continued. “Trained personnel will conduct all activities under established safety procedures and in coordination with the City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission, Parks Canada and other government partners.”

CAF added the public must remain outside of a marked safety perimeter around the artillery position, which will remain in place until cannon firing is complete.

Residents should also expect an increased military presence and military vehicle traffic around Major’s Hill Park, the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, Parliament Hill and Cartier Square Drill Hall. Participating CAF members will not be carrying weapons, the advisory noted.

The free public event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Ottawa and along the Rideau Canal, starting with opening remarks at 1 p.m., a five-kilometre fun run and boat races at 2 p.m., followed by closing activities at Cartier Square Drill Hall between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The drill hall is located beside Ottawa City Hall, where the Ottawa 200 Block Party will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nuit Blanche will also take place from 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday in the downtown core.

There is no event parking on-site, but public transit is free citywide for the entire weekend and paid underground parking at Ottawa City Hall may be available.

“Visitors should allow additional travel time and use caution around military vehicles and event activities,” the CAF wrote.