Dundas Square ‘snow globe’ comes unhinged, crashes into stage
Posted February 15, 2023 6:38 pm.
Last Updated February 16, 2023 2:57 pm.
Yonge-Dundas Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, and on Wednesday it became the site of a public relations stunt gone wrong. CityNews cameras were rolling around 1 p.m. when an oversized balloon that had been set up for an event appeared to become unhinged.
Video shows a strong gust of wind appear to lift the structure, before it comes crashing down and rolls into a nearby stage. The bubble can then be seen slowly deflating. Police say they didn’t receive any 911 calls, and there are no reports of any injuries.
The balloon had been installed for an event being hosted by beer brand Michelob Ultra. It was promoted online as a “chance for Canadians to play basketball indoors, protected from the winter elements.”
Haley Watson reacts to a video in Yonge Dundas Square
While the incident came as a shock to some tourists, those who frequent the area didn’t seem very surprised.
“Honestly, it’s Dundas Square. Weirder things have happened,” says Haley Watson while unlocking her bike from a stand near Yonge Street. Watson tells CityNews she commutes through the area almost every day and there’s no shortage of interesting events happening.
Ben, a tourist visiting town from France, had a different take.
“These kind of things might be very strange for us. We are not used to seeing these kind of things.”
The event, which was scheduled to run until Feb. 20, has since been cancelled.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be activating the ‘No Snow Globe,'” a spokesperson with Labatt Breweries of Canada told CityNews.
