Celebrate Ontario and Canada’s 150th Anniversary on July 1
Press Release
Ontario Hosting and Supporting Events Throughout the Province
June 28, 2017 11:00 A.M.
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Canada and Ontario turn 150 on July 1st, and the province is celebrating with festivities and events across the province.
Ontario will host its annual Canada Day festivities on the front lawn of Queen’s Park in Toronto. In celebration of Canada and Ontario’s 150th anniversaries, a citizenship ceremony for 150 new Canadians will be held on the main stage at Queen’s Park at 10 a.m. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and musical performances will run until 10 p.m. The official opening and 21-gun salute will begin at noon. Admission is free.
The province’s official celebration at Queen’s Park on Saturday, July 1 includes:
- Performances of Cinderella and The Little Prince, and meet-and-greets with the casts
- Unity, a celebration of multicultural heritage, featuring Indigenous drum and dance, and Indian, African, European, Asian and Latin styles of dance and movement
- An evening concert featuring Juno Award-winning Ojibwe country singer Crystal Shawanda, Franco-Ontarian folk band Hey, Wow!, and the Toronto pop rock group Ginger Ale & The Monowhales.
- Craft making, board games, trivia, pow wow drum and dance lessons, and free yoga classes
- The Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s open house from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Across the province, Ontario is supporting nearly 1,000 events and initiatives, including Canada day celebrations, to help people mark this extra special anniversary. From London to Thunder Bay, Owen Sound to Ottawa there are fun events and festivities for the whole family to enjoy.
150 years of history and accomplishments is not celebrated every day, so let’s make Canada Day 2017 something to remember.
Quick Facts
- This year is Ontario and Canada’s 150th anniversary. Events celebrating Ontario 150will take place across the province for the rest of the year.
- The Canada Day celebration at Queen’s Park has been a tradition since 1967.
- Formerly known as “Dominion Day”, Canada Day marks the anniversary of the day in 1867 that Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec joined Confederation.
- Roads around Queen’s Park will be closed from 6 a.m. on July 1 to 1 a.m. on July 2
Background Information
Additional Resources
Quotes
“Our 150th anniversary is a chance for us to recognize just how incredible Ontario and Canada truly are. Our remarkable diversity is our strength, inspiring shared values of inclusion, equality and compassion. Together with our friends, family, and neighbours, let us celebrate our love for this country and province.”
“This Canada Day, thousands across the province and many visitors from around the world will get to experience our hospitality, our incredible talent, rich culture, lush landscapes, and the community pride we all share. 2017 will be a year to remember, with special events and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will ignite our spirits and capture our imaginations.”
Media Contacts
Sara Amash
Minister’s Office
416-325-6205
Laura Sylvis
Communications Branch
416-314-7010
Denelle Balfour
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
416- 326-1724
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