June 25, 2020
With Canada Day coming up next week, many of us are reflecting on what it means to be Canadian.
We can all certainly be proud of our country’s and our province’s response to the global pandemic. The care for others that is integral to Canadian culture has served us very well at a time when our individual behaviour directly affects those around us.
By and large, people are covering their faces, physically distancing and embracing the changes that are necessary to keep everyone safe. That includes new or different ways of celebrating, such as this year’s digital version of our annual Canada Day festivities. Make sure to tune in to coquitlam.ca/canadaday on July 1st from noon to 7 p.m. for an afternoon of live music, dance, fun interactive activities and more.
We can’t gather in groups to celebrate Canada Day this year, but there is still a lot that we can do. Dress up, decorate and gather the family around to watch the online broadcast. Hold a virtual watch party with other households, or plan a physically-distant event on your block or cul-de-sac with your neighbours.
And don’t forget to support local businesses when you shop for your party food and supplies.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate safely on July 1st, it’s important to continue the traditions that are special to us. They help to anchor us amid the upheaval that COVID-19 has brought to our lives.
For many people, Canada Day also marks the official start of summer, and that too will be different than most years. But again, please take advantage of the freedoms that we do have. Enjoy the restaurants and other businesses that are opening up. Plan a staycation and be a tourist in your own town. Make use of our outdoor amenities, and explore our community on foot or by bike.
On that last note, as an avid cyclist I’m thrilled to see more people getting out there on two wheels these days. As I see it, it’s one of the positive changes to come out of the pandemic. They are there if you look for them, and I encourage you to do so.
And now for this week’s round of shout-outs.
As we wrap up grad season, just one final shout-out to everyone who went the extra mile for this year’s grads. While riding my bike Saturday I was invited to join in a drive-by graduation parade, and it reminded me once again what a special community we have.
Many of us sorely missed the annual BC Highland Games & Scottish Festival that were scheduled for June 20 at Town Centre Park, but we still got a taste of the Highland spirit on Saturday. Many thanks to Games organizer Mike Chisolm, who – in the pouring rain – played the bagpipes in full regalia at Lafarge Lake Saturday.
I’d also like to acknowledge JAK’s Beer Wine and Spirits, which recently donated almost $4,300 to the SHARE food bank after pledging 10 per cent of its sales on May 30 as part of the company’s province-wide campaign.
As always, if you hear about something happening in Coquitlam that deserves a shout-out, please share it on social media and tag #CoquitlamSPIRIT.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information. Links are available at www.coquitlam.ca/connect.