For the second year in a row, COVID-19 restrictions are putting a damper on Canada Day celebrations.
Some communities are also choosing to make July 1 a day of reflection after the May discovery of what appears to be unmarked graves of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc territory.
The Victoria, Port Hardy, Alert Bay and Penticton are among communities not taking part in Canada Day celebrations because of the discovery.
While it will be a more subdued July 1, some communities and organizations have planned events to mark the day.
• Mary Winspear Centre is producing a show for July 1, to be broadcast on CHEK at 8 p.m. that day and posted on CHEK’s and the centre’s Facebook pages. The Sidney Business Improvement Area Society is sponsoring.
Hosted by Ed Bain and Jeff King, it features pre-recorded performances by Randy and Tal Bachman, Aaron Pritchett, Michael Kaeshammer, Alex Cuba and Jess Moskaluke.
Elders Doug and Kathy LaFortune of Tsawout First Nation have recorded a welcome. Virgil and Murray “Muz” Sampson, of Tsartlip First Nation, have a speech and songs.
Doug LaFortune said they chose to participate because “we are representing our people,” along with the children who have gone missing. Kathy LaFortune, who spent a decade at a residential school, said she wants to create a conversation to hopefully resolve some issues.
• View Royal will distribute free red maple tree seed kits and a Canada Day button to residents. The town is also hosting a Canada Day photo contest.
• Saanich has listed 10 activities on its webpage that residents can do on Canada Day. They include going for a hike or picnic in a park, wearing red and white, taking part in a 7 p.m. O Canada singalong outdoors, and flying a Canadian flag.
• Nanaimo is offering a variety of outdoor events. It is encouraging people to visit local parks, patronize food-truck vendors and take in local entertainment.
At lunchtime on July 1, Nanaimo singer Laura Kelsey will perform at Neck Point Park, GG and the Ice Machine will perform at Departure Bay, and Nanaimo guitarist Dave Hart will perform at Maffeo Sutton Park.
City staff will promote community spirit with prizes and games at Maffeo Sutton Park, Westwood Lake Park, Neck Point Park, Pipers Lagoon Park, on the Departure Bay Walkway and at Harewood Centennial Park.
A StoryWalk is being held at Departure Bay at the Kin Hut, and at Harewood Park.
Nanaimo is sending out a “swagon wagon” where free Reimagine Nanaimo items will be given out.
