The Port of Vancouver has announced that it has cancelled the 2020 Canada Day at Canada Place celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a release, organizers state that they decided it was in the best interests of the community to cancel the annual event. This year would have marked the 33rd Canada Day at Canada Place event at the Port of Vancouver, which is the largest Canada Day celebration outside of the nation’s capital.
“The health and safety of our event attendees, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and suppliers is of the utmost importance to us. To keep in line with current guidance on physical distancing, we have made the decision to cancel the in-person Canada Day at Canada Place daytime event and evening fireworks planned for July 1, 2020 and are exploring other ways to celebrate, including virtual opportunities,” said Tom Corsie, president of Canada Place Corporation and vice president of real estate, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
The annual event brings communities from across the region together to celebrate Canada's freedom, values and diversity.
“As the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa, Canada Day at Canada Place has become a great tradition for many to come together and celebrate everything that makes our nation such a special place to call home,” continued Corsie. “We look forward to hosting this event and celebrating in person in 2021.”
As the largest Canada Day celebration in western Canada, the sprawling waterfront event offers food, live entertainment, family activities, displays, and much more. It covers five city blocks and includes the indoor and outdoor spaces at Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza and the surrounding city streets. What's more, the event welcomes over 250,000 visitors each year, and is free to attend.
