With COVID-19 precautions set to stay in place for the foreseeable future, the City of Surrey is taking its annual Canada Day celebration online.
A provincial ban on gatherings of more than 50 people is expected to remain in place until a vaccine is developed or there is wide immunity to the virus among the public.
The city has recruited Canadian hockey legend and four-time Olympic gold medalist Hayley Wickenheiser to host the celebrations, which will be streamed through Surrey’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
Musical performances will include Colin James, Bif Naked, 54-40, Torque, Said the Whale and Madeline Merlo.
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There will also be a virtual fireworks display to cap off the evening.
“While the safety of our community is the top priority during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it doesn’t mean we can’t find a way to celebrate this great country of ours,” said Mayor Doug McCallum in a media release.
The city says the broadcast will also pay special tribute to front-line health-care workers and service providers who have been putting themselves at risk during the pandemic.
Surrey and the event’s corporate sponsors are hoping to raise $10,000 for the Surrey Food Bank through the event.
The program for the day will include a “family hour” for kids and seniors from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The main program will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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