“Died! Last night at 12 o’clock the free and enlightened Province of Nova Scotia.” Headline from The Morning Chronicle, Halifax, of July 2nd, 1867. It went on to describe how the day before at the waterfront, an effigy of Charles Tupper (one of the Fathers of Confederation) had been burned alongside a live rat!
This was one reaction to the new Dominion of Canada when 3 provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Canada Province) joined to create Canada on July 1, 1867 with John A. Macdonald as its first prime minister. However, in many towns Union Jacks were waving, brass bands playing, ale was flowing, there were military displays and fireworks. We Canadians are pretty consistent – we celebrate the day pretty much the same these days except for the Maple Leaf replacing the Union Jack. From Burnaby to Maple Ridge, there are full on festivities on Monday – a fun filled day of great free activities wherever you live. The finale in Burnaby, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam is a fireworks display while there is a fly over in Maple Ridge and in Port Moody the 4 day Golden Spike Days Festival winds up at 6pm on Canada Day. Local firefighters are serving pancake breakfasts in Port Moody at the Inlet Firehall and a salmon BBQ in Port Coquitlam at Castle Park. This year Port Moody Fire Department is celebrating 41 years of flipping Canada Day pancakes for charity.
Burnaby has 3 festive sites – Edmonds Plaza and Park, Burnaby Village Museum & Swangard Stadium with live entertainment, children’s activities and lots more.
Coquitlam Town Centre Park is home to one of the region’s biggest patriotic celebrations with headliner band, ‘Ten Souljers’ playing a mix of classic & current Canadian rock hits to close the event. Families can enjoy day long entertainment, activities, craft beer & food trucks.
As one of the longest running family events in BC, Port Moody’s Golden Spike Days commemorates the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway Line and its arrival at the original western terminus in Port Moody where the last spike was driven. Live entertainment ranges from the traditional Port Moody Can Can dancers thru local bands to headliners, ‘Prism’ and ‘Harlequin’. Take a chair or blanket to Rocky Point Park.
Port Coquitlam’s Castle Park celebrations begin with a pancake breakfast, continuing with the popular day long fishing derby, a kids zone & entertainment.
A multicultural fashion show, tasty food from different cultures, diverse entertainment from both local performers and the rocking headliners, ‘The Matinee’ and ‘Odds and Taylor James’ are all part of the festivities at Memorial Peace Park, Maple Ridge. There is a water spray and play area plus pony rides, roving entertainers, games, a farmers market, artisan market and a community BBQ. It is suggested to walk, car pool or take transit and bring water bottles.
No good reason to stay home, let’s celebrate our communities. We live in a wonderful province and country – Happy Birthday Canada.
We, the Generations Real Estate Partners will be enthusiastically out there with you. Here’s to another great summer keeping you covered. Ready to talk real estate and community any time – just give us a call. Have a great long weekend.
Michelle, Scott, Sheila, Ray and Shane