Canada Day in Polson Park in 2019. (File photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

Community celebration

Canada Day events return to Polson Park

Jun 13, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Organizers of Vernon’s Canada Day celebration say they are excited to be back hosting events in Polson Park on Friday, July 1.

After two years of scaled-down or virtual events, the non-profit North Okanagan Canada Day Society is planning a community-based celebration of the city, the residents and heritage.

“Our event will be free to attend and will have activities suitable for all ages. Our focus is to leverage a smaller budget and shorter timeline into activities, experiences, and features that have the largest impacts,” chairperson Shanna Rowney said in a presentation to Vernon council.

(Image credit: City of Vernon)

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Rowney said due to a tight timeline, fireworks were deemed to not be achievable this year.

Mayla Janzen from the society told Vernon Matters they have made some changes in the organizing process.

“We’re doing things a little differently this year and really focusing on a celebration of Vernon with free fruit and produce to snack on, and local music, vendors, and organizations being featured over the afternoon. There will also be a giant inflatable slide and a water fight area,” said Janzen.

The society was seeking several items from the city including to provide six portable toilets placed behind the bandshell and onsite traffic control for assistance with parking.

(Image credit: City of Vernon)

As it’s a time sensitive issue, council waived the normal time period to discuss the delegation. City council then endorsed the program and decided to keep councillor Scott Anderson as liaison to the society.

Council also waived the fees for necessary permits, approved the requests for tables/chairs and access to the entertainment venue.

On-site traffic control will be provided by a third party company (up to $1,000) covered by the Canada Day Society with the city providing $1,500 to the society by the end of the year.

The porta-potties need to be rented so council approved up to $1,000 to provide those. The city will be in charge of thse and engaging with the traffic control service provider.

Unanimous support was given to all the requests. Councillors Kelly Fehr and Brian Quiring and Mayor Victor Cumming were not in attendance

The organizers are also looking for more volunteers, additional musicians, Fruitfest contributors (local farmers, orchardists), and additional bicycle parking.

“Perhaps a local bicycle shop has stands (that bikes can lock to) they may lend,” Rowney said.