Canada Day In Pitt Meadows

Canada Day in Pitt Meadows 2021

The City of Pitt Meadows acknowledges that Canada Day feels sombre this year and may be difficult for some in our community, especially in light of the atrocities discovered at former residential schools across Canada. With this in mind, the City of Pitt Meadows will be offering a variety of artistic and cultural experiences for residents to explore that focus on recognizing cultural diversity, reflecting on Canada’s history and taking time to pause and contemplate. 

“Many of us are thinking of our Indigenous friends, families, and neighbours at this time and struggling to find the balance between celebrating the strengths of our nation while considering the mistakes of our past and our hope for a better future,” says Mayor Bill Dingwall. “We encourage residents to use this opportunity to gain a greater understanding of our history and heritage and to participate in a number of family-friendly activities throughout the summer. City staff have organized several activities including a scavenger hunt, chalk art challenge, and provided a place for reflection.”

This year’s Canada Day activities include:

A Place of Reflection – in order to support our community, the City has a place for contemplation at the Rising Spirit Eagle, beside the Katzie First Nation flag in Spirit Square. We encourage residents to take a moment to consider the painful parts of Canada’s history as it relates to our past and current relations with Indigenous communities, and how to move forward together towards a better future. As well as, to reflect on who you are as a Canadian, what you want our country to stand for, and how you can be a part of that change and support reconciliation. Please adhere to all public health orders. Thank you! 

Canada Day Kits – include items such as: freezies, bubbles, Frisbees, Canada Day flags, temporary tattoos, complete set of craft supplies for a Canada Day inspired craft, chalk for the Chalk Art Challenge and the first clue to the Canada Day Scavenger Hunt!  Locally made orange hearts will also be included that can be placed in windows in memory of the children who lost their lives in residential schools. Kits will be available for pick up at the Recreation Centre between June 28 and 30, while quantities last. No registration required.  

 Chalk Art Challenge – sharpen your chalk and hit the sidewalks, driveways or any safe concrete areas around town to create some artwork. From July 1 - 31 residents can send in a photo of their work to be shared on social media. A photo gallery on the City website will also display submissions. 

Artist Elizabeth Cartagena came to town and added her talent to the community's chalk art challenge!  Elizabeth is an artist who uses creativity and ingenuity to determine her mediums; she is currently using chalk to create temporary art installations around Vancouver. She began using chalk in fall 2020 around Vancouver's West End, Yaletown and downtown and has recently been featured for her work on CBC with Stephen Quinn, Vancouver is Awesome and DailyHive.

Through the use of chalk art Ms. Cartagena seeks to create a magical moment for people to experience in their daily lives. Starting her drawings in the midst of the pandemic, Ms. Cartagena sought a way to create connections between people that respected physical distancing but created a shared experience.

Ms. Cartagena is primarily self-taught outside of electives in high school and university.  Her interest in art began at the very young age of three when she was enrolled in a young artists camp at a local art museum. From that time on, Ms. Cartagena continued to draw, paint, sculpt and explore more mediums when she could. She is influenced by artists whose works allow the art, the environment and viewers to interact. Originally from Ontario, Ms. Cartagena has been living and working in Vancouver since 2012.

To view more of Elizabeth Cartagena's work visit her Instagram profile @violetncanvas

Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt –  June 30 - July 7  Thank you to everyone who participated!

Artists In our Parks – the City is launching the summer season of the Artists in our Parks program featuring local musicians, visual artists and performers all creating in real time in parks throughout the community. Keep an eye out for our roaming chalk artist who will be doing temporary installations throughout different neighbourhoods.

View Highlights from Canada Day 2020:

We're continuing with our community spirit for Canada Day! We have some virtual activities below as well as some activities to get you out in the community either walking around participating in the scavenger hunt, or shopping local and adding stamps to your passport!  View the news release.

Message from Mayor Dingwall and Pitt Meadows City Council

Canadian National Anthem performed by Ashley Chamberlain

Pitt Meadows Secondary students got together for the first time in months to play a couple of physically distant songs together for Canada Day!

Celtic band Happy Hour performed a private concert for the residents and guests of Wesbrooke Retirement