Canada Day: Have loads of fun… but stay safe

Mark Canada Day in Canada’s Capital Region

Ottawa-Gatineau: Canada Day celebrations in Canada’s Capital Region will kick off Sunday with a full day of programming at Major’s Hill Park, from 11 am to 10 pm The festivities will extend to Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History on Monday.

Join Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, on Parliament Hill at 8 am on Monday to attend a Peace and Friendship Circle, an Algonquin ceremony led by Albert Dumont that features an honour song, a jingle dress dance and speeches. Stick around to hear Emma Stevens sing her viral version of The Beatles’ song “Blackbird” in Mi’kmaq.

Always a crowd favourite, the inspection of the guard will take place at 11:40 am at the National War Memorial, followed by a 21-gun salute in honour of our Canadian Armed Forces, veterans and fallen Canadians.

Minister Rodriguez will be on Parliament Hill to attend the noon and evening shows:

Noon: Hosted by Herby Moreau and Ashley Callingbull. Featuring the NAC Orchestra, K’naan, Karim Ouellet, T. Thomason, Shawnee and Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal.

Evening: Kicks off at 6:45 pm with Kaytranada. Hosted by Pierre-Yves Lord and Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe. Featuring The Strumbellas, Marie Mai, Brett Kissel, Cœur de pirate, Karim Ouellet, William Prince, Crystal Shawanda, K’naan and Alan Doyle.

Make sure to stay for the grand finale, because the Manulife Canada Day Fireworks—featuring a 100-percent Canadian soundtrack—is sure to amaze you.

Stay safe this Canada Day weekend

Canada weekend is here and celebrations will be taking place right across the Durham region. DRPS is encouraging residents to enjoy the festivities, but make safety a priority.

On the roads and waterways: DRPS will have an increased presence on major roads this long weekend to encourage motorists to slow down and drive safely. Officers will also be on the water to monitor boaters. They will be looking for infractions such as drinking and driving/boating, failure to wear a seat belt, aggressive driving and failure to wear a flotation device.

Motorists and boaters alike are reminded of the importance of the safe operation of their vehicles and vessels during the long weekend ahead. If your heading out of town make sure to take the time to check vehicles, including tires, wipers, brakes, lights, seat belts and fluid levels to ensure safe operation at all times. Leave extra time knowing that traffic will be busy and make sure you share the road with farm vehicles. If you’re out on the water, make sure your vessel is equipped with the proper emergency equipment and flotation devices.

Check out some tips from our marine unit: Don’t jeopardize your safety or the safety of your passengers and other vacationers. Be safe and obey all the rules of the road and water!

Crowd Safety: With Canada Day celebrations taking place this weekend, large crowds will be gathering at various locations across Durham Region. Parents and caregivers are reminded to keep a close eye on children and arrange a meeting spot should someone get lost or separated. Dress your kids in bright colours and consider taking a photo of them before heading out to celebrate. Make sure older children have a contact phone number and encourage them to travel in groups.

Fireworks Safety: If you opt to avoid the crowds and enjoy a fireworks display close to home, please consider the following safety tips:

-Buy fireworks from reliable sources that sell products that meet safety standards.
-Read and follow the directions on the label.
-Keep fireworks and sparklers away from children.
-Don’t smoke around fireworks.
-Choose a wide, clear site without obstacles to set up your fireworks display
-Fireworks should be partially buried, at least half the length of the firework, in a bucket, box or wheelbarrow of sand or earth.
-Make sure to have lots of water close by
-Don’t light fireworks in windy weather.
-Don’t try to light a firework in your hand and don’t hold a lit firework in your hand unless the instructions on the firework say the product was designed to be hand-held.

ALSO READ:

Canada Day Fireworks: Safety tips and requirements

Free Fishing during Canada Day week

The Ontario government invites families to kick-off Canada Day celebrations by participating in the province’s week-long free fishing event. From June 29 to July 7, Ontarians of all ages can enjoy fishing without requiring a licence.

“Our government is making it easier for families to spend quality time together by making fishing more accessible and affordable in Ontario,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Families, fishing enthusiasts and those new to the sport have more opportunities than ever before to get out on the water.”

The free fishing week is a welcomed tradition and is the fourth licence-free fishing opportunity this year. In 2019, the Ontario government doubled the number of free fishing events by introducing licence-free fishing on the Father’s Day and Mother’s Day weekends.

“Free fishing events are a great way to experience the wonderful sport of fishing,” said Minister Yakabuski. “Ontario is home to many lakes, rivers and streams and there is no better time to experience the outdoors than in the summer months.”

“Fishing helps create a lifetime of memories for people of all ages,” said Angelo Lombardo, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. “Whether you are a long-time angler or being introduced to fishing for the first time, we hope that you take advantage of the free fishing opportunities available during Family Fishing Week and create some new, lasting memories.”

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