Finance & Administration Report - CANADA DAY 2021
Report outlining safe alternative activities for Canada Day 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, including a photo contest and tree kit giveaway.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL
Finance & Administration Report
TO: Committee of the Whole DATE: April 8, 2021 FROM: S. Jones, Corporate Officer MEETING DATE: April 13, 2021
CANDADA DAY 2021
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT, instead of the usual Canada Day events scheduled at Craigflower Manor for the public that the Town supports, Canada Day 2021 be recognized through a photo contest and tree kit giveaway.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:
I concur with the recommendation.
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
To provide the Committee with safe options for the community to mark Canada Day 2021.
BACKGROUND:
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Volunteer View Royal, the Victoria Highland Games Society, and the Town of View Royal jointly hosted an annual Canada Day celebration at the Craigflower Manor site. This event was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hope in 2020 was that 2021 would be an opportunity to once again hold this community event.
In January 2021, the Gorge Tillicum Community Association made the decision to cancel their large 2021 Gorge Canada Day Picnic which served as a symbiotic event to View Royal’s Canada Day festivities due to their close proximity.
With the pandemic’s variants of concern on the rise, the continuing Public Health Orders on gatherings, the uneven vaccination rates – including a second dose schedule not yet rolled out – it is not advisable to make plans for the typical annual Canada Day event.
Accordingly, staff has discussed options with representatives from both the Victoria Highland Games Society and Volunteer View Royal as well as Councillor Mattson who has been instrumental in organizing View Royal’s past Canada Day events through his work with Volunteer View Royal.
This report outlines alternative, safe activities for consideration to mark Canada Day 2021.
DISCUSSION:
The following options are provided for consideration:
1. Video
The Victoria Highland Games Association has indicated that they would be interested in cost sharing (50/50) a $5,000 video of performers with dancers, including some cultural performance groups, and a pipe band. The video could be made available through the Town’s website for people to view.
The $5,000 would be used to rent a trailer for performances, a tent to cover the trailer, a videographer, and some funds for stipends to performers.
2. Photo Contest
Building on the December lights contest, it was suggested that the Town could run a Council-judged photo contest centred around family-friendly Canada Day fun that asks participants to observe pandemic precautions. Judging could take place during the first full week of July so people have from July 1 – July 4 to submit their photos electronically. Two or three categories could be created such as “picnics”, “outdoor play” or “let’s go for a walk” with prizes in each category.
3. Yard Decorating Contest
As another contest idea, it was suggested that perhaps a Canada Day themed yard decorating contest be held much like in New Orleans earlier this year where traditional Mardi Gras parades were replaced with decorated lawns and houses for “Yardi Gras”. Again, Council members would be called upon for judging duties and prizes would be awarded.
4. Maple Tree Seed Kits
With trees being a significant feature of the municipality, another option could be to build on the Town’s tree canopy and provide a limited number of giveaway “maple tree kits” to residents/property owners (one per property until supplies run out). These kits cost approximately $3.00 each and the box could be printed with the Town’s logo on the top (see the next page for more information).
Best Seller Tree In A Recycled Box Kit
Kit contains: 1 Peat Moss Planting Pot, 1 Peat Moss Seed Starter Puck, 1 Packet Containing Plantable Seeds (Your choice of Red maple, Norway spruce, Basil, Daisy, Black-eyed Susan, or tomato), 1 Set of Planting Instructions.
One stock colour imprint included, one location.
| QTY | 150 | 250 | 500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $ 3.10 | $ 2.95 | $ 2.80 |
Set-up Charge: $65
Additional Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Size | 2.375" x 2.375" x 2.125" |
| Production Time | 7-10 Business Days |
| Quantity Per Box | 105 |
| Weight Per Box | 15 |
| Made In Country | Canada |
| Options | Basil, Black Eyed Susan, Daisy, Norway Spruce, Red Maple, Tomato |
CONCLUSION:
Unfortunately, 2021 Canada Day festivities cannot occur as they did in pre-COVID-19 times. There are alternatives available though. Staff recommend doing both the photo contest as it is more accessible to people as a contest than the yard decorating would be and the maple tree kit giveaway. Funding is available in the public relations area to cover these two outreach activities.
The Committee may also wish to consider if it would recommend to Council providing funds to the Victoria Highland Games Society to develop a Canada Day 2021 video.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT, instead of the usual Canada Day events scheduled at Craigflower Manor for the public that the Town supports, Canada Day 2021 be recognized through a photo contest and tree kit giveaway.
SUBMITTED BY:
S. Jones, Corporate Officer
REVIEWED BY:
K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer
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