By Charlene Tebbutt

Canada Day

Canada Day organizers eye move

Feb 12, 2019 | 1:28 PM

Members of the group behind the city’s Canada Day celebrations hope to bring the event back downtown for 2019.

The Prince Albert Multicultural Council members are asking city council to approve a request to move the event back to the riverbank in time for this year’s event. Canada Day celebrations were relocated to Kinsmen Park about five years ago, but were previously held on the riverbank.

Michelle Hassler with the multicultural council said the riverbank is the best place for the event, adding it would better showcase the river and promote reconciliation and awareness. The organization also received concerns from area residents about noise and fireworks in the park, she said.

“If we think about our history, that’s where Prince Albert began,” Hassler told councillors Monday night. “It could become a celebration of the gathering of peoples.”

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The annual Canada Day celebrations grew, Hassler said, and a second stage was added for children’s entertainment. The event also works with the Prince Albert Grand Council to host activities and the local legions. Hassler said the organization plans to include more food trucks in this year’s festivities.

City councillors expressed some support for the move at their executive committee meeting Monday night. Ward 7 Coun. Dennis Nowoselsky questioned whether there would be enough space along the river for the event and what other activities will be happening in the area at the same time.

Mayor Greg Dionne asked whether the local Legion is involved with the plan, saying that organization also applies for federal grant funding to host events for Canada Day. Dionne said it might be better for the city to apply for funding for the event and split it between both organizations.

“I don’t mind the event being on the river,” Dionne said after the meeting. “I think that’s a great use of our river. I’m one of the ones that believes our river is underused, and we should be using it more.”

In the end, council sent the organization’s request to the city’s community services department for a report looking at the costs and logistics of hosting Canada Day at the riverbank.

Photo: File photo/paNOW Staff

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Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt