Canada Day celebrations held at Waterton Lakes National Park

Piper Shelly Kozub and others in the Waterton Canada Day Parade
Parks Canada photo

Josh Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Parks Canada's 'Parka" at Waterton
J. Davis photo

The streets of Waterton Village were packed on July 1, 2012, as residents and tourists alike gathered in celebration of Canada’s 145 birthday. As part of the Canada Day celebrations, entry into Waterton Lakes National Park was free. People of all ages could be seen in and around the village’s shops and eateries.

Bagpiper Shelly Kozub
J. Davis photo

The Canada Day events began at 12:30 at the Waterton community field with a bike parade. Many of those riding decorated their bike with Canadian flags and other ornaments. The parade was led by Parks Canada, as well as the day’s colour guard, including the RCMP, the Border Services Agency, and Waterton’s Warden Service. The parade was accompanied by Shelly Kozub playing the bagpipes. Bringing up the rear was Waterton’s fire engine. The parade seemed well received by the crowd, who periodically burst into applause.

RCMP officers leading the parade
J. Davis photo

Following the parade the crowd gathered in front of the new Waterton Community Centre for its Grand Opening. Visitor experience manager Locke Marshall served as MC, leading the crowd in the singing of 'O Canada' and 'God Save the Queen'. First to speak was Ifan Thomas, Waterton Lakes Field Unit Superintendent.

J. Davis photo

“Across the country today we are participating in events, large and small, to celebrate all that makes us proud and thankful of our nation’s accomplishments,” said Superintendent Thomas. “One such accomplishment… is the world renowned system of national parks that we have in this country, and of which Waterton Lakes is one of the gems.”

Parka and Locke cut the Cake
Parks Canada photo

Mr. Thomas reminded us that Waterton Lakes National Park, along with Glacier National Park in Montana, are part of the first international Peace Park in the world. In this spirit, Thomas offered an early happy 4th of July to our American neighbours.
Next to speak was Barney Reeves, the Chair of Waterton’s improvement district. He thanked the provincial and federal governments for their role in funding the refurbishing the new Community Centre, and reminisced on his time he spent in it in its old role as Waterton’s schoolhouse.

The microphone was then turned over to Mary-Ann Reeves, President of the Waterton Park Community Association, who served as MC. She spoke on the wonderful job that was done renovating the Community Centre, and thanked those who had been involved in the project. “The result is beyond expectation.” She briefly handed the mic to Tim Millar, who again thanked the provincial and federal governments for their role in funding the project.

"W" for Waterton: Mary-Ann Reeves and ribbon cutting for new
Waterton Community Centre
Parks Canada photo

Next, Constituency Assistant Alex Tacas brought greetings from the province, and spoke about the history of the provincial government’s approval of the Community Centre restoration.

Just before the official ribbon cutting, WNHA board member Jesse Smith spoke briefly about and opened a time capsule that had been put together when the old school originally closed.

Parka participates in sack race
Parks Canada photo

Following the assembly a tour of the new school was offered, and kid’s games were hosted in the field.  Free cake and lemonade and a $3 barbeque were offered to those who took the tour.

(updated with more photos)