The City of Peterborough is considering cancelling the annual Canada Day Parade due to declining participation. A staff report presented to city council cites a decrease in the number of float parade entries over the past five years, with only 16 floats participating in 2019 out of 56 registered entries. Factors contributing to the decline include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, waning community interest, and rising costs such as higher insurance premiums for individual floats. The parade was cancelled in 2020 and 2021, but returned in 2022 with 21 floats and in 2023 with 25 float entries.
In comparison, the 2023 Santa Claus Parade featured over 60 floats, highlighting the disparity in participation levels between the two events. The city does not have dedicated staff to run events like the Canada Day Parade, with the responsibility falling to recreation and parks services staff as an additional duty. The report argues that due to the costs associated with road closures and the low float participation numbers, the parade is no longer financially or logistically sustainable as part of the Canada Day celebrations. The decision to recommend cancelling the parade came after consultation with various community partners.
If the Canada Day Parade is indeed cancelled, it will be replaced by new events at Millennium Park and Del Crary Park in the downtown area. Millennium Park will host a family-friendly event in the morning featuring activities like face-painting, music, performers, Zumba, games, and refreshments. Del Crary Park will then host an afternoon music show and entertainment for families, followed by an evening fireworks display after the scheduled Musicfest concert. The $20,000 budgeted for the 2024 parade will be reallocated to fund these new Canada Day events.
The report emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and community interests, suggesting that the traditional Canada Day Parade may no longer align with the needs and preferences of residents in Peterborough. By introducing new and diverse events at different locations throughout the city, the hope is to attract a wider range of participants and create a more inclusive and engaging Canada Day celebration. The decision to cancel the parade is intended to ensure that resources are allocated effectively to events that resonate with the community and promote a sense of unity and celebration on Canada Day.
Ultimately, the fate of the Canada Day Parade in Peterborough will be decided by city council after reviewing the staff report and recommendations. While the cancellation of the parade may disappoint some residents who cherish the tradition, the city is committed to ensuring that Canada Day celebrations remain vibrant and engaging for all members of the community. By refocusing resources and efforts on new events and activities, the city aims to create a more dynamic and inclusive celebration that reflects the evolving interests and needs of its residents.
