Putting out a challenge to Canadians

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/10/2016 (1400 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A momentous Canadian milestone will take place in 2017: Canadians will celebrate our 150th birthday of being a nation and the countdown is on.

Starting on Aug. 4, the Government of Canada, in collaboration with an array of partners, has been counting down the last 150 days of 2016 by generating surprises that appear spontaneously throughout the country.

During those 150 days, there will be activities across the country that will delight and surprise you. They are inviting all Canadians to take part in the countdown to 2017 in person and via social media. There are four themes to the countdown: diversity and inclusiveness, the environment, young people and reconciliation with Indigenous people.

There are various organizations across the country getting together to plan and organize various events for this yearlong celebration. To track these groups and events, the "150 Alliance" is building the biggest database of groups, individuals and organizations involved in Canada 150 projects and initiatives. This digital platform will act as a hub for all 2017 activities, featuring a cross-Canada events calendar, ongoing storytelling, continuous news feeds and a space for organizations to connect and collaborate.

Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada’s 150 community foundations. The Community Fund for Canada 150 wishes to bring people and places together as we dream big about our communities and our country. It is a chance to encourage all Canadians to contribute to their communities in a way that will foster a greater sense of belonging, support meaningful reconciliation and leave a lasting legacy now and for future generations.

In 2013-2014, it was announced that Winnipeg will be the host city for the 2017 Canada Summer Games. The 2017 Games will represent the largest hosting venture that Manitoba has experienced since the memorable 1999 Pan American Games. The 2017 Games also bring some unique milestones into play marking the 50th Anniversary of the Canada Games movement set against the backdrop of Canada’s 150th Birthday celebration year.

Another activity that is going on is trail development — The Trans Canada Trail Association is raising $75 million to make Canada’s cross-country trail the longest and grandest in the world.

To make this possible there are a variety of funding programs in place whether you are an individual or a group. You can apply for Government of Canada funding for local, provincial and national Canada 150 activities. There will also be funding to rehabilitate or improve cultural and community facilities across Canada.

There is also a regional office set up in Manitoba of the Department of Canadian Heritage and they may be contacted in the following ways:

• Mail to: Canadian Heritage, 510-240 Graham Avenue, PO Box 2160, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3R5;
• Email:  PCH.rpn-pnr.PCH@canada.ca; or
• Telephone:  204-983-3601.

I send out a challenge to residents of Charleswood and to all Manitobans to come up with activities and events to celebrate our 150th birthday. Find ways to get involved in Canada 150 activities as a volunteer, organizer or participant, in your community and across Canada.