City planned Canada Day events cancelled

By Lethbridge Herald on April 24, 2020.

Herald file photo by Tijana Martin - Alexis Oneowl, 9, left, and Hailey Small Legs, 8, off show their Canadian pride during the Canada Day festivities at Henderson Lake.

City Council encourages residents to celebrate Canada Day in their own backyards this year

Canada’s birthday will be celebrated differently in 2020.

This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued Alberta Health restrictions on mass gatherings of 15 or more people, residents are being asked to find new ideas for this year’s version. All City of Lethbridge planned events and activities for Canada Day throughout the city will not take place this year.

“I encourage our residents to have fun and creative Canada Day celebrations in their own backyards while still observing proper social and physical distancing practices and by adhering to mass gathering restrictions,” Mayor Chris Spearman said. “As Alberta Health has said, we must do everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Festivals and large gatherings hold the potential to be super-spreader events. So, for Canada Day 2020, let us celebrate our strength, our resilience and our values. Let’s join with the rest of Canada and show our true Canadian spirit from the comfort of our homes.”

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said this week that no festivals or large gatherings will be able to take place in Alberta until September at the earliest. The orders in place prohibit gatherings of more than 15 people and also require people gathered in groups of fewer than 15 to maintain a distance of two metres from one another. The federal government has announced virtual national Canada Day festivities in Ottawa.

The annual fireworks display is among the events that will not take place in Lethbridge on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. All food and merchandise vendors and performers are being notified of this decision.

“I know that this decision will come as a disappointment to many residents who enjoy this annual event, but discussions are already underway to celebrate Canada Day in a different format,” says Spearman. “Thanks to all Lethbridge residents who are working so hard to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

More details will be revealed closer to July 1. Organizers look forward to seeing everyone back for Canada Day celebrations across the city in 2021.

For more information on the City’s response to COVID-19, including closures and service changes, visit http://www.lethbridge.ca/covid19.

City of Lethbridge release

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