SANDRA M STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin
The majority of the city’s Canada Day event will be held indoors to help make it easier for city staff and volunteers.
Last year’s event was held inside due to rain, however, the rain didn’t last too long.
In her report to city committee, Mareissa Christman, the city’s program coordinator, told council that last year’s indoor event resulted in a “significantly improved experience for staff, vendors and volunteers.”
She said the air-conditioned facilities provided staff and volunteers with comfortable break areas and staff were able to maintain cleanliness more efficiently.
She said there would still be outdoor elements, such as soccer and fireworks, but the majority would be held indoors.
Mayor John Petrie said, “It worked out really good having it indoors. It will eliminate the elements of wind and rain and maybe snow at the time of the year.”
Prior to COVID the Canada Day event in Brooks started at the museum with a pancake breakfast and antique tractor parade and then it moved to Duke of Sutherland for a full day of activities, a movie and fireworks, however, a lack of volunteers resulted in the removal of the pancake breakfast and parade.
There has been some events in the park but the movie has also been cancelled over the years because the outdoor screen has not been able to stand up to the wind.
Councillor Joel Goodnough said having the event outside is a festival atmosphere while indoors is very loud.
“It’s an excitement. It would be nice to see something (outdoors),” he said.
Petrie agreed about the outdoor festival atmosphere but also reiterated that the elements play a part.
“Is there a way we can introduce some of that element at JBS?” wondered councillor Mohammed Idriss.
The bouncy castles could be placed on the north side of the facility.
Councillor Jon Nesbitt said he enjoyed the event indoors last year and he doesn’t believe it would be easy to move everything inside if it is raining.
“We want the ambience outside but we know the importance of the inside,” said Petrie.
The pool will remain open as per its usual holiday hours but it will not include free access.
