The North Bay waterfront was busy with people looking for ways to celebrate Canada’s 156th birthday, on this Canada Day.
Thomas Lincon Vieira Lopes sat under the shade of a tree at the waterfront, waiting for the celebrations to get underway.
This Canada Day is extra special for the Brazilian born 23-year-old, now one step closer to becoming a citizen..
“I recently wrote the Canadian Citizenship test. It wasn’t that difficult, I felt quite comfortable, mainly because I studied hard for the test. I am very excited to become a Canadian citizen,” the young man grinned.
“Canada is a beautiful country, and there are lots of opportunities. There is a huge economy here. I love Canada. I’m finishing my education,” said the business student whose mother just recently became a Canadian citizen.
“My wife just recently received her Canadian citizenship on the 29th of May, so this is her first Canada Day as a Canadian. Unfortunately she is at work right now, but will be joining us later. She is very excited to be here to participate," said Thomas' step-father Norman Brunelle.
“She has a small business that she started up in January. It is nice to be in Canada, a place that welcomes everyone from everywhere, allows people to bring their traditions with them and create the mosaic that we call Canada.”
North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico is proud of the fact that a growing number of newcomers have chosen the city as their new home.
“We’re coming up on our 100th anniversary of the corporation of the City of North Bay in 2025. Our city is such a diverse and accepting city. The face of North Bay is changing and we’re changing with it,” Chirico added.
“So, we celebrate Canada Day and what Canada means, that it is an accepting place, that it is a safe, and welcoming place.”
Winners of an elementary school poster contest were introduced to the crowd as part of the opening ceremonies.
This year’s theme is Canadian pride. Elementary school students from across the area were invited to illustrate in a collage format, how people, places and events over the past 156 years have shaped our nation.
The two winning children were each given a copy of their poster along with a gift certificate for a bicycle.
Eight year old Malachi Bugo, said he drew fun things to see and do in Canada.
“I like being in nature, so I drew a beaver and beaver dams, moose, and of course hockey.”
Twelve-year-old Morgan De Decker won for her poster depicting the great outdoors.
“Some of the things I love the most about Canada is nature and animals. So I drew some trees, and lots of animals, like moose, beavers, and geese. I also really like camping so I drew a tent and a canoe, and fishing.”
Walking towards the opening ceremonies, Cameron and her younger sister Aariyann were excited for the activities to begin.
“To me, Canada Day means everyone gets together and we celebrate the day by doing lots of activities like face painting, games and all that stuff,” said eight year old Cameron.
Emily -Paige, MaKenzie, and cousins Elliott and Anna from the Ottawa area looked forward to making Canada Day memories while thinking about what it means to be Canadian.
“To me it means all Canadians have rights to have peaceful protests if they want to protest. And on Canada Day you get to come out here and celebrate your country,” said 11-year-old MaKenzie.
“We have freedom and education here and we’re safe. I am proud to be Canadian,” said 13-year-old Elliott.
The day started with free admission at the North Bay Museum, followed by opening ceremonies where people were invited to take in the fireworks display at dusk. A Canada Day Kid Zone, live music, a magic show, and interactive reptile shows and vendors were spread out across the waterfront.
Once again this year cupcakes with the choice of white or red icing where handed out to everyone who lined up for the sugary treat.
Five-year-old Ava’s face was smeared in red icing as she downed her cupcake.
Her mom Mercedes says it is important to educate children about Canada’s history.
“It is very important, because we are now learning more about our traditions and it is even more important that they know the whole truth, and I am going to make sure she knows, and that she teaches other people.”
