Canada Day on the LaHave

Canada Day on the LaHave -- 2021
Proudly presented by the Town of Bridgewater in partnership with the South Shore Multicultural Association

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent tragic discoveries of mass graves at the sites of former Indian Residential Schools across the country, how we observe Canada Day this year will be far different than in past years.

RESPECT. LEARN. REMEMBER. ACT.
The Town of Bridgewater has been proud to partner with the South Shore Multicultural Association for several years for our Canada Day on the LaHave event and this year is no different. Thanks to that partnership, our virtual show will once again feature a collection of performances, including a number of Mi’kmaw contributors, such as James Jermey, Michael R. Denny and the Stoney Bear Singers.

As part of this year's virtual show, many of our guests have taken the time to acknowledge the recent revelations about Indian Residential Schools across the country. We ask our residents, and those who tune in to the show from beyond our area, to reflect on those discoveries, the tragic legacy of the residential school system, and to take the time learn about what you can do to help make reconciliation possible in your own day-to-day lives as part of Canada Day observances this year.

For more information and access to educational resources, we encourage you to follow the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs on Facebook by clicking here. You can also learn more about what reconciliation means in Canada and how you can help by clicking here.

Importantly, if you wish to make a donation in support of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, you can do so by visiting www.irsss.ca.

O'REGAN'S OUTDOOR POOL OPENS ON CANADA DAY -- FREE SWIM!
Get ready to feel refreshed – the O’Regan’s Subaru Outdoor Swimming Pool is scheduled to open for the season on July 1! And the best part? The first swim of the season will be FREE, sponsored by the Town of Bridgewater and the Canada Day on the LaHave Committee.

We are also excited to offer daily open/public swims seven days of the week during the 2021 season. Pool memberships can be purchased in advance by calling the Community Development Department at 902-543-2274. Cash will be accepted on-site at the pool, but no debit or credit cards.

SWIMMING SAFELY
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in some changes to swim times and how we enter, exit, and move about the pool facility.

There will be no access through the facility – swimmers will access the pool through the side gate and should come dressed to swim. Swimmers should also limit the number of personal items as safe storage will not be provided. Masks will be required on the pool deck and/or when not in the swimming pool and physical distancing should be maintained.

A NOTE ABOUT THE DECORATING CONTESTS
Out of respect for the recent discoveries of grave sites at former Indian Residential Schools in Kamloops and Cowessess and the heartache felt by Indiguenous communities from coast to coast to coast, we will be cancelling the Canada Day decorating contests this year. Prizes donated by our local business community will be forwarded on to the Christmas on the LaHave Committee and be given out as part of their decorating contest in November/December.