Surrey celebrates first ever virtual Canada Day to celebrate national and civic pride

Surrey Canada Day, presented by Coast Capital Savings, took place virtually this year to celebrate Canada’s 153rd birthday. Viewers enjoyed performances by over 25 performers including headlining acts Colin James, 54-40, Bif Naked and Alex Cuba. The fourhour virtual celebration surpassed 45,000 views on Facebook and YouTube Live. “Surrey Canada Day has continued to be one of the most recognized representations of national pride in the Lower Mainland,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “Although this year’s celebrations were different, we were able to bring the community together virtually to celebrate our nation while still keeping everyone safe and healthy.” Hosted by four-time Olympic gold medalist, Hayley Wickenheiser, the free familyfriendly virtual event saw participation from the community, the City of Surrey’s Museum, Heritage and Performing Arts Centres. Additional programming included musical entertainment, special guest features, Indigenous and cultural acts, virtual tours, a Family Hour for kids and seniors, kid’s craft-making, dance lessons, a rodeo tribute, and personalized photos and videos shared from residents across Surrey and the Lower Mainland.

“This year’s City of Surrey Virtual Canada Day event reminded us all about the importance of community connection and coming together to celebrate our wonderfully diverse country,” said Maureen Young, Director, Community Leadership, Coast Capital Savings. “This is a particular time in history that demands us, individually and as a community, to reflect on who we are as Canadians and who we aspire to be. The City’s virtual event gave us the opportunity to do just that while also celebrating our strong, resilient and beautiful nation.”

The broadcast payed tribute to those affected by COVID-19 and honoured local frontline health care workers and essential service providers. Additionally, Virtual Surrey Canada Day worked alongside corporate sponsors to raise $10,000 for the Surrey Food Bank to support the City’s vulnerable population.

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.