(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

DIVERSITY

Canada Day celebrations return to Bower Ponds

Jun 28, 2022 | 10:34 AM

Canada Day celebrations are back at Bower Ponds this weekend, with organizers putting a heavy emphasis on the country’s diversity.

Organized by the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society (RDCHS) and Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership (RDLIP), the event will focus on Canada’s cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and geographic differences, and how they bring us together.

Events include:

• Multicultural performances on the main stage, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Food from 10 cultural food booths, from 11 a.m.
• Canada Day Opening Ceremony with free cake, from 2-2:30 p.m
• Fireworks show, at 11 p.m.
• Two sessions of the Human Library ™ will be held, from 12-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m., in partnership with the Red Deer Public Library, wherein ‘human books’ are available to be ‘read’ by community members. The Human Library™ provides space for dialogue that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices. The human books will come from different parts of the world and will share their knowledge, culture and experiences. Proud to be Your Neighbour lawn signs and pins will also be distributed at the RDLIP booth.

“It is so exciting to be working with RDLIP on Canada Day and to share their anti-racism campaign: ‘Proud to be Your Neighbour.’ This year celebrates that Canada is appreciative of our multiculturalism and diversity,” says RDCHS Manager Delores Coghill, noting that her organization is comprised of several cultural groups and four Indigenous organizations.

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“When the graves were found at Kamloops last June, this immediately changed the tone of the Canada Day ‘Celebrations’ last year. Even though we were only having fireworks, we knew that ‘Canada’ had nothing to be proud of and certainly nothing to celebrate. So last year we dedicated the fireworks to remember the children and their senseless deaths in unforgivable places.”

Going forward, Coghill says, Canada Day celebrations at Bower Ponds are not to celebrate the dominion, or birth of Canada, but rather, “the Canada of today with land acknowledgements, involving the Elders, welcoming any Indigenous groups or individuals who choose to be with us on July 1, and to honour those who chose to not be with us that day.”

The event receives funding from the federal government, she says.

RDLIP Interim Program Manager, Kristine Bugayong, says Canada Day marks the end of their ‘Proud to be Your Neighbour’ campaign, and the beginning of the group’s next phase of anti-racism work.

“RDLIP believes that Canada Day can be used as an opportunity to celebrate all peoples in Canada — from the first peoples of this nation to the newcomers who have come to this land to seek a better and safer life. We are taking this time to reflect on our past, whom many may have ignored, understand where we are now, and envision a better tomorrow for all,” she says.

“RDLIP is excited to take part in this year’s event as part of its anti-racism work and to create better race relations in our community. Through the Human Library ™, we have put out invitations to our Indigenous partners to participate in the exercise as human books. Community members will have an opportunity to learn about the human book’s life and experiences.”

FIREWORKS

Residents and visitors to the city are reminded of local fireworks restrictions within the City of Red Deer in advance of Canada Day.

“We want to remind everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals,” said Fire Marshal Tim Kivell. “Fireworks can be dangerous and can have serious environmental repercussions if proper planning and precautions are not in place, which is why we require licensed professionals to be engaged.”

The City implemented a Fireworks Bylaw in 2019 which requires licenced professionals to operate the explosive devices to ensure safety and protection of residents and property.

TRANSIT

Bus Information and Park & Ride

Park & Ride Service every 15 minutes from Sorensen Station to Bower Ponds.

• First departure is at 10:45 a.m. and will continue until the fireworks begin. Shuttles back to Sorenson Station will be available after the fireworks.

Parking: There will be no parking at Bower Ponds, Great Chief Park, Capstone at Riverlands or surrounding area so take advantage of the convenient Park & Ride at Sorensen Station downtown (4830 48 St, Red Deer). Parking is free at the Sorensen Station parkade, nearby City lots and on-street. The parkade opens at 10 a.m. and closes shortly after midnight.

Bus fares: Fares are cash only please — $1 cash fare for Canada Day Shuttles