What does Canada Day mean to Canadians?
Depends who you ask.
For Don and Debbie Macrae of Alliston, sitting on a bench on a sunny, warm July 1, and looking upon Barrie’s Kempenfelt Bay, the answer is very Canadian.
“It means I am very proud to be Canadian and it’s things like this (Barrie’s Canada Day celebrations) which show what Canadians are really all about - enjoying the sunshine, outside and the spectacular scenery right here.”
“I think this is a beautiful country,” said Debbie. “It’s not in turmoil like other countries. We have a lot of freedom here.
“My shirt says it all - I Love Canada. I do.”
Maria Vera is from Mexico and came to Canada 15 years ago.
“I am an immigrant and feel that Canada is a safe place with a lot of culture and beautiful places,” she said, standing by the shores of Kempenfelt Bay.
“This (Canada Day) is a celebration of our culture, what we stand for, coming together as one,” said Vera, a Toronto house painter. “It’s a special day to bond with each other and celebrate what Canada has become.”
Vera says this while holding onto Apple, a two-year-old Bichon, while her friend Nikki Reynolds, also from Toronto, tends to Gordo, a seven-year-old American cocker spaniel who doesn’t like people but loves the water.
Reynolds, a daycare worker, said Canada Day is about personal connections to her.
“It’s just a chance to bond with people you haven’t seen in a while,” she said, “so you can re-connect with people you have not seen.”
This year Barrie residents are experiencing Canada Day on the Move, with July 1 celebrations at three neighbourhood parks in addition to the downtown festivities and fireworks.
Canada’s birthday is also being celebrated in Sandringham Park, Lampman Lane Park and Eastview Community Park. These two-hour pop-ups have free family-friendly activities - including a Canadian wildlife show from Speaking of Wildlife, face painting, busker performances, interactive backyard games and more.
Open Air Dunlop, presented by the Downtown Barrie BIA, is taking place with Dunlop Street closed to cars from Maple Avenue to Mulcaster Street with Canada Day themed activities and live entertainment.
The City of Barrie’s fireworks show over Kempenfelt Bay starts at approximately 10 p.m. today. In case of inclement weather, fireworks will be held Tuesday, July 2.
Barrie Transit will run according to an extended Sunday service schedule today, with the last buses departing Barrie Transit Terminal after the fireworks display at approximately 10:30 p.m.
