Local mayors reflect on what Canada Day means to their communities

By Galen Simmons

From backyard barbecues and fireworks displays to parades and quiet weekends at the cottage, there is no shortage of ways Canadians celebrate this country on Canada Day.

As communities across Perth County, Oxford County and the Region of Waterloo prepare to celebrate Canada Day, local mayors are taking time to reflect on what the holiday means to them and the residents they serve.

While celebrations may vary from one municipality to another, a common theme emerged among the mayors of Wellesley, Wilmot, Perth East and East Zorra-Tavistock: Canada Day is about family, community, gratitude and pride in the country Canadians call home.

Mayor Joe Nowak, Wellesley Township

For Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak, Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate the people and values that make Canada special.

“On Canada Day, we celebrate the beauty, diversity and strength of our country,” Nowak said.

He reflected on the sacrifices made by those who helped preserve Canada's freedoms, including his father-in-law, Jim Broomfield, who survived internment during the Second World War.

“He fought for our freedom like so many others,” Nowak said. “Their courage, sacrifice and dedication have helped build and safeguard this nation.”

Nowak said he takes pride in the qualities Canadians are known for around the world.

“I think of Canadians with shared values of kindness, resilience and determination that make Canada the envy of the world. I am proud to be a Canadian now, more than ever.”

Mayor Phil Schaefer, East Zorra-Tavistock

East Zorra-Tavistock Mayor Phil Schaefer said spending time with family and participating in local celebrations are among his favourite Canada Day traditions.

“I like to celebrate Canada Day first and foremost by being around family and attending Canada Day events as much as possible,” Schaefer said.

One tradition he particularly enjoys is driving a vintage tractor in the annual Innerkip Canada Day parade.

While Schaefer believes Canadians should celebrate their country year-round, he said Canada Day provides an opportunity for everyone to come together with a common purpose.

“Canada Day provides us with a common day for all to celebrate the same thing – being proud and thankful to be a citizen of this great country.”

He added that local celebrations are often made possible by dedicated volunteers and service clubs.

“A community’s Canada Day celebrations further affirm that, and in many cases, they are provided by local service clubs, to whom we owe a huge thank you.”

As for displaying his Canadian pride, Schaefer keeps it simple.

“Like most Canadians, I will be wearing red on Canada Day.”

Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz, Perth East

Perth East Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz said Canada Day is a chance to enjoy time with loved ones and participate in community traditions.

“We get together with family and friends on Canada Day, go to local parades and see the fireworks at night,” she said.

For Ehgoetz, the holiday is also an opportunity to reflect on Canada's history and the sacrifices of those who helped build the country.

“It is a day when we can reflect and remember all the people who came before us and how lucky we are to live in this country.”

She said community celebrations help bring residents together and strengthen local connections.

“It brings the community together. People like to be in the parades or watch them.”

When it comes to showing her Canadian pride, Ehgoetz has a special outfit reserved for the occasion.

“I have a Canada shirt and hat that I wear on that day.”

Mayor Natasha Salonen, Wilmot Township

Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen described Canada Day as one of her favourite community celebrations.

Growing up in Wilmot, she recalls spending the day with family and friends before ending the evening watching fireworks. Today, she continues to celebrate in much the same way.

“I still enjoy celebrating much the same way – connecting with neighbours, attending community events and taking time to appreciate the people and places that make our community special,” Salonen said.

She said Canada Day offers an opportunity to celebrate Canada's many strengths while also reflecting on the country's history and future.

“For me, Canada Day is both a celebration and a reflection. It’s a chance to celebrate the freedoms, opportunities and quality of life we enjoy as Canadians while also reflecting on our shared history and the responsibility we all have to continue building strong, welcoming communities.”

Salonen said she believes a community's Canada Day celebrations reveal a great deal about the people who live there.

“When residents come together to volunteer, attend events, support local organizations and celebrate alongside their neighbours, it demonstrates a sense of pride, belonging and connection,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation for the volunteers, sponsors, township staff and members of the Wilmot Canada Day committee who make local celebrations possible.

As mayor, Salonen said she enjoys spending the day with residents and recognizing the many people who contribute to community life.

“Canada Day is a reminder that our national pride begins in our local communities.”

The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette wishes each of our township mayors, members of council and the residents who live in our coverage area a very happy Canada Day.