1. Canada Day and Burlington 150+
Music, food and marketplace vendors, and, later, a fireworks display will celebrate the City of Burlington’s big birthday as well as that of our nation, starting at 4 p.m. at Spencer Smith Park. Earlier in the day, there will be yoga in the park and a 1-km and 5-km Canada Day Run. A citizenship ceremony is also part of the city event, though it will be held at City Hall’s Civic Square.
Opening ceremonies will be hosted by local TV sportscaster Clint “Bubba” O’Neil, and will include special guests, the Burlington Teen Tour Band, and a Key to the City presentation by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. The live music will include a performance by Rob Preuss of The Spoons and Honeymoon Suite; other musicians will be announced only shortly before performing. The city promises “chart-topping musicians that you won’t want to miss.”
A free, fully-accessible shuttle service will be available from the north side of Burlington GO Station to the downtown bus terminal from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. For cyclists, free bike parking will be available near the Waterfront Hotel.
As for that “+” after Burlington 150? Mayor Meed Ward noted on her website that “This year also marks the 150+ anniversary of Burlington. Our city’s sesquicentennial journey began 150 years ago and the ‘+’ acknowledges the Indigenous Peoples who were on the land long before that. Our city crest has the motto ‘Stand By’ — that means stand with and together to help one another, and to also stand ready for action. Our city and our residents have demonstrated all of those aspects all these past decades and continue to do so today — being committed to serving each other and our community.”
2. Canada Day at Freeman Station
Freeman Station is hosting a special Canada Day public opening to take people back in time to 1906, the original construction date of the now-meticulously restored train station, and to enjoy their 1/24th scale model railway, learn more about the station, its volunteers, and their plans for the future.
This free event will start at 10 a.m. and run until 3:00 p.m. at 1285 Fairview St. Donations for continued maintenance are welcome, as the station runs entirely on funds provided by its generous donors.
3. Mountainside Pool and splash park
Following a two-year closure for refurbishment, Mountainside Pool is reopening on Friday, June 30, with an opening ceremony from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and free swimming from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A free barbeque and ice cream social will begin at 4 p.m., for as long as supplies last. The revitalized community spot now has a new pool with beach entry, three 50-metre lap lanes, accessibility ramps, water spray features, a climbing wall, a waterslide, and shade structures.
There will also be free swimming all weekend in celebration of reopening, starting with aquafit at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, and fun/lap swims from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday
4. Waterdown’s Oh Canada Ribfest
If you just can’t wait for Burlington’s Ribfest, get a head start in Waterdown this weekend. The feast starts on Fri., June 30 at 4 p.m., and runs through Monday, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on other days at Waterdown Memorial Park, 200 Hamilton St. N. There will be ribbers from as far away as Arkansas, Florida, and Texas, and from closer to home, Canadian ribbers Boss Hogs Smokin’ Chophouse and Crazy Canuck Smokers.
Alongside ribs, expect local vendors and community groups, a fireworks display on Saturday, midway rides, and live music from bands and artists including Gunpowder and Grace, A Short Walk to Pluto, Smoke Wagon Blues Band, TRIBZ, and 905 Band, amongst others. Also on Canada Day at Waterdown’s Ribfest is the 2023 Ribfest Skatejam from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the skate bowl
5. And what’s closed?
The City of Burlington notes that the Animal Shelter (2424 Industrial St.) will be closed to appointments on Monday, July 3, as will the Building, Renovating, and Licensing counter on City Hall’s main floor; the Roads, Parks, and Forestry administrative office; the Service Burlington counter (third floor, 390 Brant St.); and court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way. Burlington Transit will be extending holiday service on most routes.
Burlington Centre and Mapleview Centre will be closed on Sat., July 1, as will most grocery stores.
