Newman restarting Canada Day celebrations in Spaniard’s Bay

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Spaniard’s Bay has not held Canada Day celebrations for some time. However, Councillor Debbie Newman is taking it upon herself to change that.

Newman added the item to council’s public agenda last month. 

“I think it would be nice to have it back,” said Newman, who noted there has been some talk lately about rejuvenating the holiday. 

Newman noted the federal government makes a grant available to groups that want to mark Canada Day, but unfortunately she missed applying for it. Newman said when she called the federal office, she was informed many committees missed out on it because they did not know when it was available. 

Newman asked council for a motion to approve $2,000 for Canada Day celebrations. “That would include hotdogs, cake, drinks, prizes for best decorated bikes, strollers, hats, and some activities for children on the field like balloon-twisting and so on,” she said.

Councillor Darlene Stamp recalled the Town once had a special events committee, but it was disbanded about seven years ago because there were too few members. She noted there was about $7,000 in guaranteed investment certificates in the bank for that committee. Stamp suggested they make a motion to use the GICs to fund the Canada Day celebrations and other events for the next several years. 

“That’s what the money was raised for,” said Stamp. “And I mean, that’s been there seven years now and there’s nothing being done with it.”

Deputy Mayor Tammy Oliver said council could discuss using the GIC money to fund the event, acknowledging it was originally put there for an event for the town’s residents, anyway.

Oliver told Newman she could change her motion to ask for the money from the GIC, rather than from the Town itself. 

“Either way. Whatever the council decides, I’m fine with that,” said Newman. “I just need a bit of money so we can have the celebrations.”

But she pointed out, the GICs are locked for six months, so council will have to put up the money up front for now. 

Newman then motioned for the Town to provide $2,000 for the Canada Day celebrations with the intent of council discussing the use of the GIC money. The motion was seconded by Stamp. The motion carried unanimously.