After months of input and planning, the committee planning the city's centennial celebrations have put together a $200,000 plan to mark the occasion.
The two main events on the 100th anniversary schedule are a March 6, 2015 anniversary kick-off ceremony and a July homecoming event.
The March 6 - day of incorporation - event will include the opening of the 75th anniversary time capsule and the unveiling of a program to add to and enhance the capsule's contents. The 100th anniversary committee is also recommending the mayor's annual volunteer banquet be moved from Volunteer Week in April to March 6 and "enhanced to celebrate the volunteer spirit that has grown our community for 100 years," said a report from committee chair Coun. Murry Krause.
The homecoming event in July would start at the Two Rivers Gallery's KidzArt Dayz and end one or two weeks later with a cultural street festival and fireworks finale.
Throughout that time period other community activities would include daily live entertainment at Fort George Park and the Canada Games Plaza; free activities or admission at recreational venues; historical hikes hosted by the Caledonia Ramblers; the launch of the library's Heritage Walking Tour app; an old-fashioned soap box derby; and the dressing of Mr. PG in celebratory attire.
Other cost drivers for the event include two sets of grants, totaling $55,000, to support and enhance existing annual festivals to help them celebrate the centennial as well as micro grants to encourage groups to host activities during home coming.
The committee began their public input process in March of this year, on the 98th anniversary of the city. According to Krause's report, more than 350 suggestions were received by June 6 through the kickoff event, the committee's website, social media and community presentations. The list was further prioritized with public comments at a B.C. Day event in Fort George Park.
"We're very pleased enthusiasm is building," said Krause. "We're working through our work plan and we're on target."
Council has already approved a budget of $100,000 for the centennial. The committee will be exploring grant funding through the other levels of government, sponsors and NDIT for the remainder.
