Calgary's outdoor New Year's Eve celebration cancelled due to cold

With Environment Canada forecastinga low of -26 C on Sunday not including the wind chill the City of Calgary'soutdoor New Year's Eve celebrations slated for Olympic Plaza havebeen cancelled.

The Family Dance Party in the municipal building atrium will go ahead as planned, however, starting at 7 p.m. and ending with the Kid's Countdown with the Mayor at 9 p.m.

The Countdown Ball in Olympic Plaza will still drop at midnight, followed bythe ENMAXFireworks. The city is encouraging Calgarians to watch the display on television from the comfort and warmth of their homes.

"While we are sorry to cancel some of the events, we feel that public safety is paramount and was the most important factor in making this decision," the city said in a statement.

For more information, visit the city's website.

The extreme cold also caused the cancellation of Zoo Lights on Saturday evening and on Sunday afternoon, the Zoo announced it would also cancel the New Year's Eve event.

• MORE CALGARY NEWS|Here's what Calgary fees are set to increase in 2018
• MORE CALGARY NEWS|These are the best 20 new restaurants in and around Calgary, says food critic John Gilchrist