Maffeo Sutton Park will against host Canada Day celebrations on Saturday, July 1 beginning around 11 a.m. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

CELEBRATE

Canada Day on the Mid-Island: where to go and what’s going on?

Jul 1, 2023 | 6:02 AM

NANAIMO — Plenty of celebrations for Canada’s 156th birthday are planned across the region.

Those in Nanaimo are encouraged down to Maffeo Sutton Park for a full day of festivities between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., including food trucks, live entertainment and family activities.

Free transit will be offered through the Regional District of Nanaimo, while the City will host a bike valet service at Maffeo Sutton Park.

Limited parking is available in the downtown.

On the water, the HMCS Nanaimo will dock and be open for public tours on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 at the Cameron Island marina. The ship will be available between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, as well as 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

13h ago

stabbing

UPDATE: Two people stab City of Nanaimo employee with needles at Maffeo Sutton Park

16h ago

fly-in

VIDEO: 'It's so special to see these kids:' Santa makes pre-Christmas stop at Nanaimo hospital

17h ago

Parksville plan to kick off their day early with the traditional Shriners Pancake Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

A parade will start at 10 a.m. leading to Parksville Community Park for opening ceremonies at 12 p.m. with activities and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.

A fireworks display is scheduled for 10:15 p.m.

The park itself will be close to vehicle traffic, aside from those with valid accessible parking permit on Thursday, while a section of the Island Hwy. between Shelly Rd. and Craig St. will be closed between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. with detours in place.

In Qualicum Beach, a celebration along Veterans Way will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Legion Branch #76, then a parade from the Civic Centre to the Legion at 1 p.m.

The Royal Canadian Air Force will also conduct a fly-by with a CP-140 Aurora aircraft, part of similar demonstrations in Courtenay, Richmond and Sechelt.

Celebrations will continue in the downtown all afternoon, including a street dance starting at 5:30 p.m.

Transfer Beach Park will host Ladysmith’s celebrations starting with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Kinsmen at 9 a.m.

Live music, entertainment and food will continue through the afternoon.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW