City of Chilliwack is adding some free events this summer to go along with its street banners to mark the 150th anniversary of Chilliwack’s incorporation.
City council approved the banner designs last month, with Coun. Chris Kloot voting against, and asking for more to be done to recognize Chilliwack’s 150th.
During the June 6 council discussion, Kloot stated he felt the designs, although attractive, “missed the mark” in terms of “really portraying” the history of Chilliwack to celebrate 150 years since incorporation.
Kloot later asked if city staff could consider creating more special events, like a toonie skate, or toonie swim, with ice cream, or something in addition to the banners to mark the occasion.
As a result city officials announced on Tuesday a series of upcoming free swims, skates, and an event featuring food trucks and fireworks this fall.
RELATED: Councillor calls for more events to mark Chilliwack 150
The evening with food trucks and fireworks is now added to the roster of Chilliwack 150 events for Saturday, Nov. 18, in Townsend Park, at 7 p.m.
“The City of Chilliwack is truly unique, and this area has history from long before 1873,” said Mayor Ken Popove. “As we acknowledge this milestone for the City of Chilliwack and enjoy these activities, I would encourage everyone to also reflect on the Indigenous peoples and cultures that have been here since time immemorial.”
For the rest of July and August, there will be a weekly free swim at the Rotary Outdoor Pool, on Saturdays from 1 p.m to 3 p.m.
There will also be four free skates happening over two weekends in September and October.
The free skate schedule:
Saturday, September 16
Sardis Sports Complex
5:45 – 7:15 p.m.
Sunday, September 17
Chilliwack Coliseum
2:30 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 21
Sardis Sports Complex
5:45 – 7:15 p.m.
Sunday, October 22
Chilliwack Coliseum
2:30 – 4 p.m.
RELATED: Chilliwack incorporated 150 years ago on April 26, 1873
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