Kelowna-Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr has announced funding of just over $1.5 million in federal dollars to help celebrate a number of Canada 150 celebrations across the province.
Speaking in Kelowna Monday morning, Fuhr said the money will help organizations, large and small, celebrate not only this country’s 150th birthday, but also a number of other celebrations taking place in the days leading up to July 1.
“This is going to be a big year for us,” said Fuhr, adding he is hearing a lot of very positive talk about Canada from people around the world.
“To celebrate Canada period is a wonderful occasion for Canadians to reflect on the evolution of our country—from its indigenous origins and the birth of our Francophone heritage to more recent waves of immigration—and celebrate the diverse and inclusive country we have built together,” he added.
“I look forward to participating in these local celebrations with all British Columbians.”
The money, from two separate federal funds, goes to support festivities as varied as a the recent National Aboriginal Day and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day—both celebrated in Kelowna— as well as Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Canada Day itself.
The Celebrate Canada Fund is providing the Festivals and Special Events Development Society of Kelowna (Festivals Kelowna) with $26,000 towards its Canada Day celebrations, $1,500 to the Rotary Club of Lake Country for its Canada Day event and $2,400 to the Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan for the annual FrancoFete event, held last Saturday in the city in conjunction with St. Jean Baptiste Day.
The West Kelowna Celebration Society received $5,000 towards the cost of its annual Westside Daze event.
In total, $1,519,000 was awarded to 122 groups under the Celebrate Canada fund and another 22 groups under the Canada 150 Community Fund.
“Festivals Kelowna and our partners have been working on ideas to celebrate Canada 150 in Kelowna for close to two years,”said executive director Renata Mills.
“With the tremendous support of the Government of Canada, they have helped make these ideas come to life and ensure that our community can connect and celebrate in style, reaching people of all ages and interests. From community art projects, to public pianos, to live musical performances, Canada’s cultural mosaic will be well represented and will come alive in our parks and public spaces.”
