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Council cancels Orangeville’s Canada Day celebration

May 15, 2020   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Canada Day will be a little different for local residents this year as COVID-19 claims yet another victim. 

On Monday (May 11), Orangeville Council officially cancelled all recreation programs and public events up to July 6 – a move that nixes annual Canada Day celebrations at Alder Recreation Centre and Island Lake Conservation Area. 

The decision comes almost a month after the federal government announced in-person celebrations of Canada’s 153rd birthday, regularly held in Ottawa and Gatineau, Quebec on July 1, would be cancelled. 

Instead, Orangeville residents are this year invited to “celebrate virtually”, with online celebrations being held across the country. 

“While the cancellations are disappointing, the health and well-being of our residents and staff is our number one priority,” said Orangeville Mayor Sandy Brown. “To keep in line with current guidance on physical distancing, we have made the decision to cancel large public events. Many municipalities are taking the same action, as no one wants to take the chance of prolonging the outbreak period.”

Back in March, the Ontario government made gatherings of more than five people, with the exception of those who live together, illegal. That order remains in place as of press time. 

It was revealed on Monday that town staff was also working on a plan to ensure Canada Day is at least acknowledged this year in Orangeville. Ray Osmond, the Town’s General Manager of Community Services, noted the municipality was “looking for ways to turn the town red”, and will be asking residents to put up signs and flags at their homes to mark the event. Also, the Town will be meeting with the Orangeville Business Improvement Area (OBIA) and other municipal partners to see if any businesses would like to get involved.

“We’re looking to get mini flags and put together a plan to keep people celebrating Canada Day as best we can. Also, (we’ll have links) so people can download virtual Canada Day events in Ottawa,” Mr. Osmond said.

The cancellation of Canada Day festivities in Orangeville follows the previously announced cancellations of popular events such as the Orangeville Lions Club Home & Garden Show, the Orangeville Rotary Ribfest and Celebrate Your Awesome pride day. Also cancelled is the Optimist Club Bike Rodeo, the Abilities Resource Fair, the Lions Walk for Dog Guides and the Barry Burman Shootout.

While not dead in the water yet, the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival and National Indigenous Peoples Day, slated to take place in June, have been postponed. There is a hope amongst organizers that those two events can take place in the fall.

Not everything is falling by the wayside due to COVID-19, however. The Orangeville Farmer’s Market, which has been considered an essential service, will be permitted to open either May 16 or May 23, with an e-commerce business model. That means local residents will be able to make online orders and payments and schedule pick-ups on Saturday mornings, either as a drive-by, or by on-foot curbside collection. 

All Town facilities, including recreation centres, park amenities, libraries and the Orangeville Opera House remain closed until further notice. When restrictions start to be lifted, and Premier Doug Ford has hinted that eventuality may be imminent, Town staff will work with Council and the community to rebuild and promote programs and events throughout the late summer and fall months.

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