If you’re in the mood for a celebration, next year will offer the opportunity to double your pleasure.
Not only does 2017 mark Canada’s 150th birthday, it also signifies Burnaby’s 125 years of existence. And in an effort to celebrate the big dates, the city is putting together some pretty hefty plans for the occasion.
Recently, council approved a $280,000 budget for the festivities, which includes a $75,000 grant from the federal government to celebrate the city’s 125th anniversary.
A staff report noted the primary objective of the federal grant is to celebrate arts, heritage and culture by providing opportunities for local artists, artisans and heritage performers to participate in the anniversary celebrations.
The plan is to schedule performance activities from the beginning of June until Sept. 22, the city’s official birthday.
Some of the other plans also include forming a special events team through the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts to establish a roster of selected performers who will be scheduled for the various events, capitalizing on existing festivals like Hats Off Day in the Heights and expanding the three Canada Day celebrations in Burnaby.
While staff already have some ideas, city politicians are looking for more input from the public.
Mayor Derek Corrigan is encouraging businesses, non-profit groups and citizens to get involved.
