Canada 150 Kick-off

Bill Bowick | Mar 16, 2016

The year 2017 will mark the 150th year of Canadian confederation. What better excuse for a good party? Major anniversaries like this are a way to recognize the efforts of those who went before us and enjoy the benefits of what they achieved. What might be more important, they give incentive to look forward to the things that might yet be accomplished.

In Oso Hall on March 9, a public meeting was held to launch Central Frontenac’s celebration of Canada 150. More than 30 people were present and they were a wonderful cross-section of our community. They represented service clubs, church groups, heritage societies and recreation committees. Villages Beautiful was represented, as was Branch 425 of the Legion, and the Parham Agricultural Society. Community service organizations such as NFCS and the Adult Learning Centre were there, as well as the seniors’ groups and the Friday Night Ladies. It was great!

The meeting started with a few people sharing their views of Canada, the place of our community in it, and what Canada 150 might be. Well-known citizens Janet Gutowski and Sarah Hale spoke, as did Dave Limber, drummer for the Feral Five, and Councilor Victor Heese. But the show was stolen by 13-year-old Hazuki Ono, who concluded a personal and very touching talk with, “Let’s have maple syrup all year. Eh?”

In the general discussion that followed, lots of people had good suggestions on what we could do to make a great celebration. Heritage elements got a lot of play but there were other ideas as well, ranging from fitness to festivals to forests. A committee was formed to start gathering ideas and information on available support and what’s happening in other places. One of their first tasks will be to find a slogan for the program.

Members of the initial committee are Dave Willis, Linda West, Justin Riddell, Lesley Merrigan, Dave Limber, Victor Heese, Ray Fletcher, Rosemarie Bowick and Bill Bowick. Bill Bowick was appointed chair of this committee of council and Councilor Victor Heese volunteered to be the committee’s council liaison. The committee will no doubt change with time. A couple of people were volunteered after they left the meeting and there will no doubt be others who come forward to serve. However, this is an excellent start and they have already had one meeting.

As per directive, a major agenda item of the committee’s first meeting was getting a slogan. It was decided to run a contest and announce the winning choice at Canada Day 2016.

Details of the contest will be announced soon but in the meantime, you can get your thinking caps on. “Paradise with Bugs” has already been rejected.