Port Coquitlam, BC, June 17, 2020. . . Entertainment, family activities, the firefighters’ barbecue and other traditional favourites will return for Port Coquitlam’s reimagined Canada Day event.

The community is invited to join in a day of family fun July 1 through online celebrations, virtual block parties, a drive-through barbecue and a campaign to support local businesses.

“We had tremendous success with our online May Days, and wanted to provide the community a safe way to enjoy Canada Day, which is always a special celebration in Port Coquitlam,” said Mayor Brad West. “While we can’t come together in a large crowd, I encourage everyone to take some time to celebrate our country’s birthday. If you plan to have a small gathering outdoors, please do safely – follow health guidelines and maintain physical distance.”

Part of the city’s effort to support the community during the pandemic, the event will give residents a chance to continue their long-standing tradition of commemorating Canada Day, connecting as a community and supporting local artists and businesses, while staying safe. Port Coquitlam’s online May Days celebrations attracted more than 8,000 viewers.

This year’s Canada Day festivities will include:

• A live-streamed broadcast at www.portcoquitlam.ca/canadaday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. featuring the traditional salute to the Canadian flag and Colour Party, Mayor and Council welcome, and arts and cultural performances,
• The Port Coquitlam Firefighters Drive-through BBQ from 12 to 4:00 p.m. at Firehall #1 – 1725 Broadway Street, an annual fundraiser for the Port Coquitlam Professional Firefighters Charitable Society ($10 for burger, chips and drink).
• A community-wide singing of O Canada, joining in with cities across the country, as part of the 7 p.m. cheer for front-line workers, and
• Virtual fireworks – details to be confirmed on the city’s website. Residents are reminded that fireworks displays are not permitted in Port Coquitlam.

Residents are also invited to connect with their neighbours through virtual block parties – an online social gathering through video conferencing that helps people engage with each other while maintaining physical distance. Information for setting up a virtual neighbourhood hub is posted at www.portcoquitlam.ca/blockparty.

“Canada Day is time for us to show our national pride and come together as a community,” said Councillor Nancy McCurrach, the Council designate for arts, culture and heritage. “I look forward to all the fun especially sounds of Canada Day being sung from yards and balconies throughout the community.”

The City is partnering with the Port Coquitlam Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) #SupportLocal initiative, and will be promoting local business Canada Day specials at www.portcoquitlam.ca/canadaday starting June 27 for delivery or pickup on July 1.

“I encourage everyone to support the local businesses that are offering Canada Day specials by buying your food and party supplies in Port Coquitlam,” added West.

The BIA plans to provide businesses with frisbees to hand out to the public, to encourage people to get outside and be active. All businesses will also be provided a branded #SUPPORTLOCAL window cling.   

Port Coquitlam’s 2020 Canada Day event has been generously supported by Canadian Heritage.

Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/canadaday for more event details and schedule changes.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca