Waterfront festivities in `spirit of reconciliation' will mark Canada Day

Canada Day celebrations will return to Vancouver's downtown waterfront this summer for the first time since COVID-19 began.

The July 1 event at Canada Place will also see “significant changes designed to reimagine celebrations in the spirit of reconciliation.”

Members of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations have been involved with the planning of the event, which will be named Canada Together. The theme will be “weaving together the fabric of a nation.”

“We are pleased to see the event taking a new direction, and to be collaborating with the port authority to help guide the direction and future of this gathering,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian Band. “We are proud to build on the inclusion of the culture and history of the three nations on whose traditional territory the event takes place.”

The event will mark its 36th year in July and is the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa.

The day's program will include food, family friendly activities and live performances beginning at 11 a.m. spread over five city blocks, including at Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza and nearby city streets. All events will take place outdoors.

Main stage performers include headliner Johnny Reid, The Boom Booms, Omega Mighty, Bitterly Divine, Tsatsu Stalqyu (Coastal Wolf Pack), Spakwus Slolem (Eagle Song Dancers) with the West Vancouver Youth Orchestra, and Carsen Grey.

Cultural performances and exhibits will be located in the World Zone, while the Kids' Zone will offer kid-friendly activities such as a dance party, a mascot dance-off and more. Food trucks spanning a variety of cuisines will be parked along Canada Place Way, and Harbour Green Park will host the Canadian Forces Zone, featuring exhibits that recognize Canada's army, navy and air force.

“After a long hiatus, the Squamish Nation is excited to help plan out this in-person event again for Canada Day,” said Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams), councillor and spokesman for the Squamish Nation.

“Attendees will learn about the importance of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples across this country, learn about different Indigenous languages and cultures, and enjoy spectacular performances by Coast Salish drummers and singers. We hope to see you there on July 1.”

While the event will be returning in person for the first time in two years, the usual fireworks above Coal Harbour won't be a part of

We are proud to build on the inclusion of the culture and history of the three nations on whose traditional territory the event takes place.

this year's event, with organizers citing rising costs for events, safety and security.

Volunteers age 16 and up are also being sought to help put on the event. More than 200 roles are available with the event's information kiosks, site-maintenance teams, as line monitors and ushers, stagehands, talent and volunteer assistants, and greeters.

For more information about the event or to apply as a volunteer, visit canadaplace.ca/canadatogether.