Canada’s 150 Birthday. A Year Long Celebration!

When you’ve got a big birthday milestone approaching, it’s fun to extend the celebration for as long as possible. That’s just what communities around Canada are doing for the country’s 150th, including Burlington and Oakville. Find out what each community has planned to mark Canada’s sesquicentennial this year. 

BURLINGTON
Tourism Burlington has launched a new marketing campaign called Come Home 2 Burlington, which encourages former Burlingtonians to rediscover the city through its events, restaurants, shopping and attractions. Residents are also asked to be #HometownProud ambassadors by inviting family and friends to visit during 2017.

Famous Burlingtonians will share their memories all year about why they’re #HometownProud. Check out a few early entries on Tourism Burlington’s website from Olympian, Mark Oldershaw and Walk Off The Earth band member, Mike Taylor.

The Burlington Art Gallery has plans to welcome visitors with various art events and projects to mark the occasion, including a sesquicentennial quilt project.

For some simple ideas on how to experience the city, Tourism Burlington has listed 150 activities and events online.

OAKVILLE
Just how was the Centennial celebrated 50 years ago in Oakville?  Find out at the Oakville Museum at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre’s exhibit, “HOME and Native Land: Being Canadian”. The exhibit is currently open and runs until January 2018. On display are artifacts, photographs and interviews of current Oakville residents: 150 voices telling the Town’s story, representing different cultures and traditions from around the world.

Peek inside early immigrant life 150 years ago at the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate. “From Far and Wide: Tales from a Suitcase” opens on July 1.

The Canada 150 Mosaic Mural Project commemorates Canada’s 150th Anniversary by bringing together 150 communities and thousands of participants to create community murals that visually reflect the history and culture of Canada. Oakville’s community mural is now on exhibit at River Oaks Community Centre.

These are just a few highlights of what’s happening. Be sure to go online to check for updates and find out more ways to explore and enjoy where we live.

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

City of Burlington
burlington.ca/canada150

Tourism Burlington
tourismburlington.com

Town of Oakville
oakville.ca/culturerec/canada-150

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