News Release: An Historic Canada Day Festival

​July 1st Festival in St. James Park to Include Musicians, Storytellers, Heritage Tours


TORONTO—June 24, 2023—The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood takes seriously its role as the neighbourhood where Toronto officially began (as the Town of York) and will be honouring the area’s Indigenous and multicultural history during the annual Canada Day Festival on July 1st , from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. in St. James Park (120 King St. E.).
 
“The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood is one of Toronto’s most culturally diverse communities and is home to some of the most iconic locations in the city. From the historic St. Lawrence Market and St. Lawrence Hall, to one of the world’s leading examples of livable and accessible urban communities along The Esplanade, to Canada’s First Parliament – this is the corner of Toronto steeped in history and popular with everyone. On July 1st – Canada Day - we will celebrate our welcoming community with a wonderful presentation of music, dance and special guests. We invite the media and fans of this great neighbourhood to join us,” said SLNA President, Stewart Linton.

Special Guests
The area’s political representatives will be present to bring greetings and the Land Acknowledgement. Our special guests include: Ward 13 Councillor Chris Moise, Ward 10 Councillor Ausma Malik, Spadina-Fort York MP Chris Glover, Toronto Centre MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, Toronto Centre MP Marci Ien and Spadina-Fort York MP Kevin Vuong.

Music and Storytelling at the Michael Comstock Pavilion in St. James Park
In addition to face painting and hula hooping for the young and young at heart, the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association has put together an engaging lineup of entertainers for the July 1st celebration:

• Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance
• Jim Adams – Indigenous Storyteller
• Alana & Leigh Cline – Celtic Fiddling
• Gloria Gift Nankunda – Ugandan Singer
• Sue and Dwight Folk Singers
• Adam Bunch – Heritage Talk and Walk
• Alan Cohen Jazz Trio featuring Tracey Gallant with special guest Ted Quinlan
• Ilsaiah Cade & Family – Indigenous Dance

We are grateful for the kind support of this event provided by: Heritage Canada/Patrimoine canadien, The Friends of St. James Park, Toronto’s First Post Office, St. Lawrence Market BIA, Berkeley Castle and BMO. A special note of thanks is extended to the many volunteers who have helped to put this event together.