Thirty days and counting!
Vaughan gears up for Canada Day
The countdown is on! Today is exactly 30 days until the 150th anniversary of Confederation — the uniting of colonies that formed the dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. Excitement has been building across the country in anticipation of this special day that will bring Canadians together for a massive celebration. The City of Vaughan will mark the countdown at the launch of Concerts in the Park, its yearly concert series, with an official ceremony and free show on June 14 at Vaughan City Hall.
The evening will begin with a flag raising to commemorate Canada 150. Also in recognition of this special year, a Sugar Maple will be planted and a permanent commemorative plaque will be displayed at City Hall Civic Park. The night will be topped off with a high-energy concert performance by the Funk Frequency paying tribute to Prince and the Minneapolis Sound.
This year, with grant monies received from the federal government’s Canadian Heritage Canada 150 Fund, the City has introduced a number of different projects and enhanced programming to give residents a chance to share in the celebration of a lifetime, including a beautification plan that will see various sites decorated with hanging baskets, flower pots, flags and flower beds. There are also park improvements underway, such as renovated playgrounds at Chancellor District Park and Maxey Park, new shade structures at Matthew Park and North Thornhill District Park and the boardwalk reconstruction at Oakbank Pond. Residents can also participate in a dream weaver art project that will be transformed into a public art display, and look forward to an interactive gaming challenge that will take place in the heart of the city’s new downtown — the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.
QUOTE
“We are blessed to live in the best country in the world. Canada Day is
a chance to show our love for this great nation as it celebrates its 150th
birthday. As Canadians, this is an opportunity to show our pride and
patriotism, and pay tribute to everything that makes Canada great. This
sesquicentennial year has united people from coast to coast, and offered a
chance to promote our values, culture and heritage. As we mark Canada 150 and
look to the future, I am inspired by the passion and energy that is evident
everywhere in Vaughan and across the country. I look forward to coming together
with all Vaughan citizens at our Canada Day event, which will no doubt be the
highlight of the anniversary year.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Canada’s 150th birthday is also known as the sesquicentennial.
- The City of Vaughan was the recipient of a $25,000 grant through the CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program, which has funded local tree-planting projects, as well as provided for a special plaque and three ceremonial trees in commemoration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
- On July 1, from noon to 10 p.m., the City will celebrate Canada Day in style with a grand fête at Boyd Conservation Park.
- The fun-filled event is free and will feature live performances, midway rides and inflatables, face painting, arts and crafts, a laser show and much more. Cultural food will be available for purchase.
- Community groups and cultural organizations are invited to submit their Canada 150 event or celebration initiative to the City’s online event calendar.
- The community is encouraged to follow and participate in the conversation online using #VaughanCAN150.
- The Vaughan Canada 150 celebration task force is co-chaired by Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco and Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman, with Regional Councillor Mario Ferri and Regional Councillor Gino Rosati also representing Council on the team.
- The task force also includes citizens from each Ward and representatives from community organizations.
- The role of the group has been to consult with residents, businesses and community organizations to collect ideas and develop recommendations for how Vaughan can make meaningful contributions to help mark the commemorative year.
- Concerts in the Park is presented by TD and event sponsors are CN, Tim Hortons and TransCanada.
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