DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard
SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog will move forward with a full-scale Canada Day celebration in 2025, maintaining its traditional parade and festivities despite a federal grant shortfall. At its meeting on Monday, February 3rd, Township Council reviewed a report from Shawna Cornish, Manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture, outlining three potential options for the event in light of reduced funding from the federal government.
For the past 13 years, the Township has organized the annual Canada Day celebrations, which include a parade, live entertainment, a kids’ zone, food and artisan vendors, and a fireworks display at Palmer Park. However, in 2024, Scugog saw a reduction in its annual grant from Canadian Heritage, receiving $8,000 instead of the usual $15,000. This left a $7,000 shortfall which required municipal funding to maintain the event’s scope.
Cornish’s report presented three options: maintaining the event in its entirety with increased municipal funding, scaling back the event’s duration and eliminating the parade, or modifying the parade into a smaller veteran’s procession to reduce costs. The Canada Day Committee recommended the third option, which would have kept most activities while altering the parade format to a “Vettes for Vets” procession.
However, following discussion, Ward 3 Councillor Robert Rock made a motion to override the recommendation and maintain the event in its entirety, including the traditional parade route and timing.
“I really appreciated we had three separate options, each of with their own pricing and the reasoning behind it,” commented Ward 3 Councillor Robert Rock. “It is disappointing to hear we are not getting as much funding.” Councillor Rock noted the pricing difference between the parade options was just $700, and advocated for a solution to ensure, “vets have the full parade, and not just a small promenade.”
The motion carried, ensuring Scugog’s Canada Day celebrations will proceed unchanged in 2025. The event’s budget will require additional funding from the Township, with an estimated net municipal contribution of $14,500. While the Township will still seek sponsorships and vendor participation to offset costs, the decision reflects Council’s commitment to preserving the community’s largest annual celebration.
"The Canada Day Committee and Township staff will continue working to deliver an event which brings residents and visitors together to celebrate our country," Ms. Cornish said. "We appreciate Council’s support in keeping the full experience intact."
With the decision finalized, planning for the 2025 Canada Day celebrations will move forward, ensuring residents can once again enjoy a full day of festivities, culminating in the signature fireworks display over Lake Scugog.
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