On Canada Day 2017, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the creation of a nation that we are fortunate to call home.
As Glen residents, we also get to celebrate living in a place recognized as unique years before 1867, first by our First Nations inhabitants, later by our early settler families, and is still cherished by today’s residents. To borrow a phrase from Mark Rowe, we are fortunate to live in “Glen Williams – An Oasis in the Credit Valley”. Our Glen home provides us with a sense of place, an oasis of belonging in today’s complex world.
It is this feeling of home that empowers residents to speak up and advocate for their community and to step forth to support our hamlet’s many activities, events and community groups.
One great example of community spirit in action is the Glen’s Canada Day Committee. Celebrating Canada Day in the Glen originated with the Town Hall Board in 1976. This year, through their expanded efforts and new ideas from the Town and the Chamber of Commerce, we have even more opportunities to strengthen our sense of belonging.
The Glen Canada Day Committee is encouraging Glen neighbourhoods to enter Street Floats in the Annual Parade. What creative float concept can your street’s neighbours come up with to reflect “Anything Canadian”? For info and entry forms for this street fun, contact Anthea Hoare. And while you are at it, why not consider holding a block party as part of your Canada 150 celebrations? The Town of Halton Hills has prepared an online resource kit for planning neighbourhood celebrations.
Halton Hills has an ambitious goal to become the most patriotic town in Canada in 2017. The Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce is challenging us to show our national pride by flying the Canadian flag on July 1. All flags have to be visible from the road and registered online by postal code, in order to be counted in the record attempt. Let’s help our Town win the challenge by ensuring that the Glen Williams postal codes have the highest participation rate! You are able to register all your flags online at Halton Hills Canada 150 until June 30, 2017. And while you are at it, why not continue to dress up your home in red and white and enter the Glen Canada Day Committee competition for the “best decorated house or garden in the Glen”. Information and entry forms are available from Sandy Gillians at The Glen Gardener.
This July 1st, let’s join with our neighbours in celebrating our proud nation and our unique village. Please drop by our Glen Williams Community Association (GWCA) booth in the Park on Canada Day. We’d love to chat about how we can work together to advocate for the Glen and support the great community efforts of so many village residents who are making the Glen their home.
Drew Leverette, GWCA
