By Angelica Ingram

Published July 12 2016

In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday next year Highlands East council is eyeing a larger more expansive celebration than in years past.

Ward 3 Councillor Cec Ryall made a proposal to council at their June 27 meeting to expand the current celebrations that include Wilberforce and Gooderham to all of Highlands East.
“It is recommended that it remain a one-day event with the focus of being a family day in which the use of alcohol is not promoted” Ryall wrote in his proposal. “However with proper planning and support some activities could be held over the entire weekend. This will depend on the nature of the event and the group or organization that is championing it. In order to comply with funding requirements the overall municipal theme should incorporate those recommended by the federal and provincial governments. Celebrations will start in the morning in Cardiff move to Wilberforce in the afternoon and finish in the evening in Gooderham.”

Ryall suggested a number of community groups and organizations that could get involved as well as activities such as a parade barbecue heritage display softball game fishing tourney and more.
To highlight the area Ryall also suggested a geocaching event be put together.
The councillor suggested a municipal steering committee be formed to organize the event and that an application to the Canada 150 grant be made.
“I believe that this event if handled properly will produce major social and economy benefits for the entire greater Highlands East region” wrote Ryall in his report.

Council passed a resolution supporting the Highlands East Celebrates Canada 2017 event and authorized chief administration officer and treasurer Shannon Hunter to submit an application to the Canada 150 fund for $50000.