Summer events, festivals cancelled across region

WATERLOO REGION — Summer events and festivals across Waterloo Region are cancelled, with online alternatives planned in some cases.

The region’s three cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, along with Woolwich and Wilmot townships, all announced Wednesday the suspension of large in-person gatherings was extended into the fall to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Township of Wellesley postponed or cancelled events until

June 30 back in mid-April, and North Dumfries had already cancelled summer events being held in the township.

The cancelled events include any gatherings that are city or township

run or sponsored, as well as any booked on city or township property.

“This is disappointing as our summer events have always brought crowds from all across the region and province and truly showcase all that Cambridge has to offer,” Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry said in a news release. “Events are natural gathering spaces, and as we move towards recovery we can’t afford to slip backwards. Suspending our large events and providing online alternatives, where possible, will ensure the public stays safe throughout the summer and will put our community in a stronger position to continue to fight COVID-19.”

Alternative online Canada Day events are being planned as fireworks displays won’t happen as usual on July 1 to celebrate Canada’s birthday.

Waterloo Region is one of the municipalities in Ontario permitted to move into Phase 2 of the provincial reopening plan on Friday, which means many municipal buildings as well as businesses will begin opening their doors to the public again. However, officials urge caution when entering this new phase and ask residents continue to follow public health guidelines to limit the number of new COVID-19 cases as the virus is still circulating in the community.

“While some city amenities and services are beginning to reopen, we need to remember to still adhere to physical distancing guidelines. With that in mind, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel our large, city events for the rest of the summer,” Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said.

Find out more details about specific events on city and township websites.