Happy Simcoe Day everyone!

01 Aug Happy Simcoe Day everyone!

Happy Simcoe Day Brampton!

The legal status of the first Monday in August varies between provinces and territories. The first Monday in August is a statutory holiday in: British Columbia (BC Day); New Brunswick (New Brunswick Day); Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Day or Civic Holiday), and Nunavut and the Northwest Territories (Civic Holiday).  It is a holiday of some form in Alberta (Heritage Day), Manitoba (Civic Holiday), Newfoundland and Labrador (Civic Holiday, although the date is fixed by municipal council orders) and in Nova Scotia & PEI (Natal Day).

In Ontario, a range of local names are used, which often honor significant people in the history of the province. In Toronto, the first Monday in August is known as Simcoe Day after John Graves Simcoe, who founded the town of York, Upper Canada, which became Toronto. He was also the first lieutenant governor of the province. In Ottawa, it is called Colonel By Day in honor of John By, who led the construction of the Rideau Canal, or Waterway, and founded Bytown, which became the city of Ottawa.

Schools, post offices, as well as many businesses and organizations are closed, while many workers have a day off in these areas. People are advised to check with the local authorities, transport services and businesses as to when services and stores are available on this day. Large scale parades, road races and other public events may cause some local disruption to traffic in some towns and cities. The first Monday of August is not a public holiday in Quebec and Yukon.

Various events are held to celebrate aspects of local culture, history and achievement. Many celebrations are low-key and are organized by community members. These include: making and distributing birthday cakes for the province; sports events; and communal meals, such as breakfasts, barbecues, lunches and suppers. Larger events include professional displays of fireworks, road races and cultural festivals.  Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy all the festivities in our community and across the country!

Romeo & Juliet… in the Square!

From August 1st to August 25th, Monday to Thursday starting at 7pm, you can enjoy Shakespeare in the Square performances on the Lorna Bissell Fountain Stage in Garden Square.  And, it’s FREE!  Please bring lawn chairs and blankets! The world’s greatest and most enduring love story, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet tells the tale of young, star-crossed lovers who, amid a bitter family feud, will stop at nothing to be together. A heartbreaking tale of hatred, cruel destiny and everlasting love.  For more information about this event, visit the City of Brampton Special Events website or the Rose Theatre website.

Meal delivery resumes on Tuesday, August 2nd.

Our friendly Volunteer Drivers will be back delivering Meals on Wheels in Brampton tomorrow.  We hope you are enjoying the sunshine today and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!  Keep cool!

Georgia Mouka, Brampton Meals on Wheels Volunteer Blogger