Municipal officials here are hoping community organizations take a more active role in planning and implementing local Canada Day celebrations.
The township has traditionally taken a lead role in what has been for many years an impressive July 1 party.
At the May 10 meeting, economic development coordinator Jaclyn Dingwall said the township’s economic development committee recently agreed to propose additional involvement of community groups.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for fundraising for these groups,” said Dingwall.
“The township needs to act as a facilitator and overall resource, rather than the actual coordinator of the events.”
“I think it’s a great idea that came out of economic development,” said Mayor Neil Driscoll. “Yes, we want to have this event. Yes, we want it to grow. But we really need our service clubs to step up and coordinate it.”
“So theoretically … if the service clubs aren’t interested, then Canada Day basically disappears for Mapleton?” asked councillor Michael Martin.
Councillor Lori Woodham, a member of the economic development committee, said the idea wasn’t to put pressure on the groups.
“Our intent is to allow them an opportunity for fundraising. They can provide the food or whatever. I believe it’s going to be an excellent opportunity for our community groups.”
Driscoll added, “For this year our hope is a lot of this will run through Jaclyn as far as knowing what’s going on in the community, but we’re looking for the service groups to really run an event.”
