Parks Canada Kicks Off Historic Canada Day with Sunrise Event at Signal Hill National Historic Site
News Release
First Canada 150 celebrations take place at the break of dawn
July 1, 2017 St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Parks Canada Agency
Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, and Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, officially launched Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation celebrations during a special Canada Day Sunrise Event at Signal Hill National Historic Site. This year’s historic gathering brought together Canadians from far and wide to be the first in the country to celebrate this important anniversary.
The sunrise event was followed by a Canada 150 “Wake Up the Nation Breakfast” at Signal Hill National Historic Site, delivered in partnership with the City of St. John’s and featuring entertainment provided by Calver Street, the Freels, and the St. Pat’s Dancers.
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government is very pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada places in 2017. Canada’s national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and are playing a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
During this commemoration year, iconic Parks Canada destinations in Eastern Newfoundland will offer innovative programs and a host of special events to enable more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience the outdoors and connect with our environment and rich history as we celebrate this historic milestone for our nation.
Quotes
“On this very special Canada Day, I was pleased to welcome Canadians and visitors from around the world to be among the first Canadians to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Confederation during this inspiring sunrise event at iconic Signal Hill National Historic Site. The Government of Canada’s vision for Canada 150 is to foster national unity and pride, and to inspire Canadians to create connections with our diverse history and strengthen our sense of what it means to be Canadian.”
Seamus O’Regan
Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl
“As Canadians, we are so proud of our national parks, and there’s no better way to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Confederation, to connect with friends and family, or to discover our national heritage than by visiting a Parks Canada site - like Signal Hill National Historic site overlooking my beautiful riding of St. John's East. Happy Canada Day!”
Nick Whalen
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
Quick Facts
-
The annual Canada Day Sunrise Event at Signal Hill National Historic Site is a treasured local tradition and is attended by hundreds of visitors each year. It is the first of many special events Canadians will attend in communities across the country on Canada Day.
-
Please note that only admission is free for 2017. There are fees for enhanced interpretative programs and recreational services and products such as camping and firewood, fishing permits, and overnight backcountry use.
-
To ensure the best possible experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their visit ahead of time through the Parks Canada website or download the new FREE Parks Canada app.
Associated Links
Contacts
Jeremy Roop
Manager, External Relations
Newfoundland East Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
709-772-5800
Jeremy.roop@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca