Canada Day will look a little different this year.
Around Vancouver Island, the usual firework shows, parades, and other festivities will have to be viewed through a screen as the province continues to ban large gatherings of more than 50 people in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The pandemic has not only resulted in the cancellation of parades and firework displays in many communities, but it has also forced the cancellation of the Gorge Canada Day Picnic.
The event not only provides a fun environment for thousands of people, but it also helps pump money into the local economy. Last year, the food vendors alone brought in nearly $60,000.
READ: City of Victoria’s virtual Canada Day celebration to air on CHEK
But despite the cancellations, many communities and residents on the Island are finding new ways to celebrate Canada’s 153rd birthday.
This year the City of Victoria’s Canada Day celebrations are going virtual and will be aired in a special broadcast on CHEK at 7 p.m. tomorrow.
Around the Island, it’s a similar story.
Parkville’s usual parade and firework festivities will be going virtual on the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce’s YouTube channel starting at 8 a.m.
In Nanaimo, ambassadors will be handing out Canada Day themed items at four different parks while the City of Campbell River will hold a virtual celebration of their own, which will air on their Canada Day website starting at noon.
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In Shawnigan Lake, community organizers have come together to hold Canada Day scavenger hunt beginning at 10 a.m.
And in the Village of Tahsis, the community will be holding a Canada Day vehicle parade, where residents can win cash prizes.
Nationally, the federal government has organized a number of virtual activities and events, which can be viewed here.
ALSO READ: Village of Tahsis celebrating Canada Day with a car parade
Meanwhile, some organizations have also taken to hosting their own virtual celebrations.
The Royal BC Museum will hold its annual Canada Day Penny Carnival on Zoom and its Facebook page beginning at 11 a.m.
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum will be giving a “rare” virtual behind-the-scenes look at Canadian aerospace organizations. They’ll also be providing creative craft and activity ideas for all ages and looking back at past Canada Day celebrations over the years.
Celebrations may be altered this, but the appreciation of our country will not be.
Ben Nesbit
Nicholas Pescod
