The City of Peterborough is considering canceling the annual Canada Day Parade due to declining participation. A staff report, to be reviewed by city council, recommends cancelling the parade as it is no longer considered a sustainable activity for the city’s annual celebrations on July 1. Factors contributing to the decline in participation include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, waning community interest, and increasing costs such as higher float insurance premiums. In 2019, there were 56 entries registered for the parade but only 16 participated, citing heat and humidity as a key factor. The parade was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic but returned in 2022 and 2023 with a low number of float entries.
The city does not employ staff directly to run events, and the parade is managed by the recreation and parks staff as an additional duty to their normal job responsibilities. The report states that due to the costs associated with road closures and the declining float participation numbers, the parade is no longer financially or logistically sustainable as part of the Canada Day celebrations. The recommendation to cancel the parade came after consultation with a number of community partners. In place of the parade, several new events are being planned at Millennium Park and Del Crary Park in the downtown area. These events will include family-friendly activities, music shows, entertainment, and an evening fireworks event following the Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park. The $20,000 budgeted for the 2024 parade will instead be allocated to other Canada Day events.
The 2023 Santa Claus Parade featured more than 60 floats, highlighting the contrast in participation between the two events. The declining interest in the Canada Day Parade, along with the logistical and financial challenges associated with organizing the event, have prompted the city to consider cancelling it and focus on alternative activities to celebrate Canada Day. The new events planned for Millennium Park and Del Crary Park aim to provide a range of activities and entertainment for residents to enjoy on Canada Day. These events will include family-friendly activities, music shows, entertainment, and an evening fireworks display, offering a variety of options for residents to celebrate the holiday.
The staff report acknowledges that the decision to cancel the Canada Day Parade was made after careful consideration and consultation with community partners. The report emphasizes the need to allocate resources effectively to create sustainable and engaging events that can attract community participation and support. By reallocating the budget allocated for the parade to other Canada Day events, the city aims to enhance the overall celebration and provide a diverse range of activities for residents to enjoy. The focus on creating engaging and inclusive events at Millennium Park and Del Crary Park reflects the city’s commitment to offering accessible and entertaining celebrations for the community.
Overall, the City of Peterborough is exploring the possibility of cancelling the annual Canada Day Parade in response to declining participation and increasing costs. The decision to cancel the parade is based on the challenges associated with organizing the event, including declining float entries, logistical issues, and financial constraints. In its place, the city is planning alternative events at Millennium Park and Del Crary Park to provide a variety of family-friendly activities, music shows, entertainment, and fireworks for residents to enjoy on Canada Day. The decision to reallocate the budget for the parade to other events highlights the city’s commitment to creating engaging and sustainable celebrations for the community.
