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CTV News
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Where to celebrate Canada Day in the Lower Mainland, with or without fireworks
A boy reaches for a Canadian flag on Canada Day in Vancouver, Monday, July 1, 2024. (Ethan Cairns / The Canadian Press) Canada marks its 158th birthday on Tuesday, and celebrations large and small are planned across the Lower Mainland. Whether you're looking to celebrate Canada Day with a big (fireworks) bang or a chill vibe, there are plenty of options worth checking out. Vancouver Hosted at Canada Place by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Canada Together is one of the largest Canada Day events outside of Ottawa, according to organizers. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features a citizenship ceremony, live performances, an Indigenous marketplace, a kids' zone, food trucks and more. Canada Together A previous year's Canada Together celebration is seen in this image from the Canada Place website. ( Surrey While Canada Together touts itself as 'one of the largest' Canada Day events, the organizers of Surrey's annual Canada Day celebration describe it as the biggest in all of Western Canada. Featuring four stages, food trucks, carnival rides, family friendly activities and more, Surrey Canada Day 2025 expects to draw tens of thousands to the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale. The free event begins at 10 a.m. and culminates with a fireworks show that starts at 10:15 p.m. Burnaby Multiple celebrations are planned in the City of Burnaby, including performances at Edmonds Park from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at the Burnaby Village Museum from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but Streetfest on Central is the city's biggest event. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending with fireworks from 10:15 to 10:30 p.m. in Central Park, the event spans both the park and Burnaby's Civic Square and Central Boulevard in the Metrotown neighbourhood. The main stage is in Central Park, while Civic Square and Central Boulevard will feature a kids stage and pop-up performances. More information about what to expect can be found on the city's website. Burnaby Canada Day Fireworks are seen in Burnaby's Central Park in this image from the city's website. ( Richmond The annual Steveston Salmon Festival begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and features four stages, a salmon bake, Japanese cultural displays, an art show, a marketplace and more. Most of the festival's events end at 5 p.m., but the Spirit of Steveston Zone, which includes the main stage and beer garden, remains open until 7:30. New Westminster New Westminster will celebrate Canada Day in Queen's Park from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. with two stages, food trucks, a beer garden and mini golf. 'Welcome to my Renaissance,' an Indigenous youth art exhibition, will be on display in Centennial Lodge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there will be a community art exhibit in The Habitat during those same hours. Tri-Cities Canada Day is the final day of Port Moody's Golden Spike Days festival this year, bringing with it a fourth day of live music, spike driving, gold panning and general merriment in Rocky Point Park. Meanwhile, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam will each host a community Canada Day celebration and fireworks display on Tuesday. The Coquitlam event takes place from noon to 10:30 p.m. at Town Centre Park, with fireworks starting at 10 p.m. Port Coquitlam's celebration in Castle Park begins at 1 p.m., and fireworks start at 10:20 p.m. The city is also hosting a fishing derby at Lions Park from 8 to 11 a.m. and a pancake breakfast with drop-in sports activities at Port Coquitlam Community Centre from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Port Coquitlam Canada Day Fireworks are seen in Port Coquitlam in this image from the city's website. ( North Shore Canada Day falls in the midst of Royal Canadian Navy Fleet Week, which runs from June 30 through July 6 and features ship tours, interactive displays and performances by the Navy's Naden Band at the Burrard Dry Dock Pier in North Vancouver. On the holiday itself, the Navy will be joined by the Rotary Club of Lions Gate's annual celebrations in the Shipyards District. Festivities include live entertainment, community exhibits, a children's play area, food trucks and more. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Elsewhere on the North Shore, West Vancouver will host a picnic in Lawson Park from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with performances, a kids zone, games and crafts on offer. Maple Ridge Maple Ridge will celebrate Canada Day in Memorial Peace Park from noon to 5 p.m. In addition to live music and performances on multiple stages, the Maple Ridge event features a rock-climbing wall and 'toddler hockey,' among other activities. Pitt Meadows Neighbouring Pitt Meadows is holding its Canada Day event in šxʷhék̓ʷnəs (Spirit Square) on Harris Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The local Lions Club is hosting a pancake breakfast starting at 8:30 a.m., and the celebration proper includes a 'dog show and sniffing competition,' a show and shine car show and a watermelon-eating contest, among other things. Delta Delta's festivities include ceremonies hosted by Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions Club in Diefenbaker Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children's activities at Kirkland House from noon to 4 p.m., and the main festival in Chalmers Park from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Chalmers Park event begins with a parade along 112 Street, followed by live music and dance performances, community booths and roving entertainers. A fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. Delta Canada Day Spectators watch the parade at a previous year's Delta Canada Day celebration in this photo from the city's website. ( White Rock The City of White Rock will also share a fireworks show as part of its Canada Day by the Bay event. The celebration at Memorial Park and West Beach will run from noon to 10:30 p.m., featuring a vendor marketplace along the promenade and live entertainment throughout the day. The fireworks begin at 10:15 p.m. White Rock Canada Day Fireworks explode over Boundary Bay in White Rock in this image from the city's website. ( Langley The Township of Langley is once again eschewing fireworks in favour of a drone light show, which will cap a full day of festivities in McLeod Athletic Park at 10:15 p.m. The event begins at 2 p.m. and features a kids zone with bouncy castles, mini golf and a climbing wall, plus live music, food trucks and local artisan vendors. Abbotsford The hub of the Fraser Valley will incorporate both a parade and a fireworks show into its Canada Day celebrations. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and proceeds down South Fraser Way and Trethewey Street before ending at W.J. Mouat Secondary School. At 1 p.m., the festivities cross Maclure Road and take over Abbotsford Exhibition Park with a community showcase, vendor marketplace, food trucks and live entertainment, culminating in the fireworks at 10 p.m. Find more information on the Go Abbotsford website. Canada Day drumming Cities across B.C. and around the country are hosting Canada Day drumming events, continuing an annual tradition that began with Canada 150 celebrations in 2017. In Metro Vancouver, drumming events are being incorporated into both Vancouver's Canada Together event and Richmond's Steveston Salmon Festival. Different events begin at different times and feature different performances and styles, but organizers ask participants to unite at 11:30 a.m. PT for six minutes of simultaneous drumming across the country, 'celebrating unity and diversity among all cultures.' More information can be found on the Canada Day drumming website.
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
47,000 cruise ship tourists expected this weekend in Vancouver
The cruise ship Norwegian Sun is seen in Vancouver on Friday, June 27, 2025. (CTV News) Vancouver residents can expect some extra foot traffic in the city this weekend, which is expected to be the busiest of the 2025 cruise season. Roughly 47,000 passengers will be coming through the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal this weekend, arriving on 11 ships. Chance McKee, with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, says that this will impact the local economy. 'Cruise passengers spend, on average, $450 each on things like local tours, attractions, restaurants, hotels,' McKee says. The Port of Vancouver says that every cruise ship stopping here injects about $3 million into the local economy, and that's not just from the tourists. 'Cruise lines spend an average of $660 million every year locally. That's using local businesses and suppliers to conduct maintenance on their ships, repairs in between trips,' says McKee. This comes at a time when the country is experiencing a decline in visitors. According to Statistics Canada data released earlier this week, the country saw nine per cent fewer American tourists this April than it did last year. The busy cruise weekend also means busy days for the restaurant industry. Chris Di Tomaso, general manager of Tap and Barrel Coal Harbour, says his restaurant sees double the usual volume of diners when cruise ships are in town. The tourists are not only looking to grab a bite, but also looking to take in the Coal Harbour scenery. 'When you have a business that includes a very large waterfront patio, the cruise ships provide a significant amount of energy and a lot of foot traffic,' says Di Tomaso. McKee suggests that locals offer up assistance to tourists who may need help with directions or have questions. 'Offer up a local recommendation, your favourite restaurant or local attraction,' he says. The port expects to see elevated visitor levels every weekend through the end of peak cruise season in late September.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DP World Honoured with 2024 Blue Circle Award for Energy Conservation at Two Canadian Ports
Award highlights DP World's continued leadership in enhancing environmental stewardship and sustainable port operations in Vancouver and Fraser Surrey VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DP World, a global leader in supply chain solutions, has been awarded the 2024 Blue Circle Award by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) for its participation in the Energy Action Program. The award underscores the company's strong commitment to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship at its Vancouver and Fraser Surrey terminals. This is the second consecutive year DP World has earned the Blue Circle Award for Energy Conservation. In 2023, the company was recognized for its sustainability initiatives at the Port of Vancouver. This year's expanded recognition, which includes the Fraser Surrey terminal, reinforces DP World's ongoing investments in responsible, sustainable port operations across Canada. DP World's energy strategy includes a range of measures to improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions and boost productivity. These include achieving LEED certification for energy efficiency improvements and participation in innovative pilot projects, such as testing hydrogen fuel cell-powered rubber-tired gantry cranes at the Port of Vancouver. Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, said: 'This recognition from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority affirms DP World's strong commitment to advancing sustainable port operations. Through focused energy management initiatives at our Fraser Surrey and Vancouver terminals, we're helping to reduce environmental impacts while supporting a cleaner, more efficient future for Canada's trade infrastructure.' Peter Xotta, President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, said: 'We are proud to recognize the leadership of many across our port community in advancing environmentally responsible trade. From terminals and tenants to marine operators, shipping companies, and cruise lines – these vital partners keep Canada's trade flowing through the Port of Vancouver every day, driving jobs and economic growth nationwide. We commend their commitment to ensuring this essential work is carried out sustainably.' The VFPA's Energy Action Program supports port tenants and terminal operators in developing energy management plans and advancing energy management measures. DP World is joined by fellow Energy Action Program award recipients GCT Canada, Neptune Terminals, Seaspan Shipyards, SSA Lynnterm, Viterra Cascadia, Viterra Pacific Elevators, and WWL Annacis Auto Terminal. The Blue Circle Awards were formally presented at a Customer Recognition and Blue Circle Award Reception held on Monday, June 2. DP World Americas Media Contact: Melina Vissat, Head of CommunicationsM: (+1) 704-605-6159E: About DP World Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world's trade flow better, changing what's possible for the customers and communities we serve globally. With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 111,000 employees from 159 nationalities, spanning 77 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that's fit for the future. We're rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses -- Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades. What's more, we're reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we're at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer's door. WE MAKE TRADE FLOWTO CHANGE WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR in to access your portfolio
Hamilton Spectator
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada Together returns on July 1 with live entertainment and family activities
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority invites the community to its fourth annual Canada Together celebration at Canada Place on July 1. As one of the largest Canada Day events outside of Ottawa, this marks 39 years of festivities at the iconic Vancouver waterfront venue. The free, family-friendly event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and features a lineup of live performances, cultural activities, and community programming—including a meaningful citizenship ceremony welcoming 40 new Canadians. Juno Award-winning local legends Dear Rouge are set to close out the event as the main stage headliners. Canada Together is planned in collaboration with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, guided by the theme 'weaving together the fabric of a nation.' The event is intended to honour Canada's diversity and sets an intention for the day to gather, celebrate, learn and share. At 11:00 a.m., zones and exhibits—including the main stage—will open with entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy. The event site covers five city blocks, including both outdoor and indoor spaces at Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza, and surrounding city streets. Event highlights include: 'We are proud to welcome everyone to the annual Canada Together event at Canada Place,' said Cliff Stewart, Canada Place Corporation President, and Vice President Infrastructure at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. 'This is a special day for the community to come together in celebration and in honour of Canada's diversity. We are appreciative of the continued collaboration with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and support from our sponsors, partners, and performers who help make this day possible.' Canada Together will also be featured in a live broadcast on CBC presented by the Department of Canadian Heritage, alongside celebrations in Summerside, PEI and Yellowknife, NWT. For those not attending Canada Together in-person, tune into CBC or Radio-Canada at 5:00 p.m. PST to catch performances of fantastic Canadian musical artists from across the country. The port authority encourages event attendees to take public transportation to the event, conveniently located near several bus routes and the Waterfront and Burrard SkyTrain stations. Get involved More than 150 volunteers help welcome over 200,000 guests who take part in the free event activities organized around Canada Place on July 1. Volunteering is a great way to build experience, get involved in your community, meet new people and show your community spirit. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Volunteer positions are needed for the following areas: For more information on these participation opportunities and other event details, please visit . Partners The 4th annual July 1 Canada Together event at Canada Place is presented by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in collaboration with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of partners including: The Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada, Chamber of Shipping, CN, CPKC, Destination Vancouver, Downtown Van, Indigenous Tourism BC, Indigo Parking, London Drugs, Stanley Park Brewing, Tim Hortons and Vancouver Terminal Elevator Association; and special thanks to the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Convention Centre. Media partners include Global BC, The World Famous CFOX, Rock 101, 730 CKNW, OMNI Television, AM1320 CHMB, @AngieLowis, Curiocity and Miss604. Media contact Arpen Rana Senior Communications Advisor 778.239.5264 About Canada Place Canada Place is an internationally recognized landmark and venue for world-class events. For 39 years, Canada Place has served as a hub for national celebrations. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is a shared steward of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver and is the owner and operator of Canada Place. Canada Place houses Vancouver Convention Centre East, Pan Pacific Hotel, FlyOver, World Trade Centre and Indigo Park Canada. It serves as the largest cruise ship terminal in Canada and has been the homeport to the Vancouver-Alaska cruises for more than 30 years.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Planning to dredge the Burrard Inlet to maximize oil shipments is underway
An ocean pollution researcher and at least one First Nation are raising concerns about the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's (VFPA) plan to dredge the Burrard Inlet. Dredging is when the bed of a body of water is dug out to make way for ships or for construction or cleaning purposes. Ocean researcher Juan José Alava told CBC's On The Coast that periodic dredging is common for navigation maintenance in the Inlet. However, he says he was surprised to hear that the port is planning to dredge for the purpose of maximizing oil tanker capacity. The VFPA plan is to maximize oil shipments from the port. Currently, Aframax tankers, a specific size of oil tanker, with a deadweight ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 metric tonnes, can carry loads up to 80 per cent, with the goal of increasing capacity to 100 per cent. However, doing so carries the risk of hitting the sea bottom. According to Alava, another risk is environmental harm. LISTEN | Burrard Inlet could be dredged to maximize oil shipments: Alava is the principal investigator for the Ocean Pollution Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, and says that this development is deeply concerning because of the potential effect on water quality, aquatic life, and First Nations culture in the area that is dependent on the Inlet and the Second Narrows channel. "At what environmental cost, for a single tanker, do you want to dredge the Burrard Inlet? What about the First Nation communities that are living there?" He says that as a scientist who studies marine toxicology, the risk of dredging to increase oil tanker capacity can have a drastic impact on the environment if there is an oil spill, citing lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez southern Alaska spill 36 years ago. Alava says that you can still find oil remnants in B.C. from that spill today, so environmental impact assessments and Indigenous consultation are necessary. Tsleil-Waututh Nation's Chief, Jen Thomas, said in a written statement on May 8, that no formal engagement has happened about dredging the Burrard Inlet that runs past the nation. Thomas says that the nation firmly opposed the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, adding that the Government of Canada built it despite the nation's informed decision not to consent to the project. "Tsleil-Waututh has a sacred, legal obligation to protect, defend and steward our Inlet. We hold inherent and Constitutionally-protected Indigenous title and rights to this area." Under UNDRIP, the B.C. government has a duty to obtain free, prior and informed consent from First Nations when pursuing projects in their territories. Thomas says that the nation will have more to say about the matter once it reviews the proposal and says that it looks forward to meeting with agencies in the future about any projects that may affect Tsleil-Waututh Nation rights and title. Despite concerns from environmentalists and First Nations, B.C. Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix is supportive of the project, pending it meeting environmental assessment and consultation requirements with First Nations. In a report from the Canadian Press released on May 11, Dix says that the province spoke with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation before expressing views about the project to the federal government. The plan, floated by Prime Minister Mark Carney in early May, comes at a time when Canada is looking to diversify energy exports away from the United States. Dix stressed that the dredging would be a federal project, not provincial and that the project "would allow for less traffic at the port and better utilization" because ships could fully load. The dredging project's preliminary stages of environmental assessment and First Nation consultation began on May 20.
