As far as the Provincial Government is concerned, Santa Claus Parades are a go.
Northumberland – Peterborough South MPP David Piccini sent out a e-mail last week to Mayors of his riding inviting them to a Zoom meeting on Monday, October 25, 2021 to discuss group events like Santa Claus parades and Remembrance Day services.
Piccini sent out the e-mail after a number of communities in the area including Cobourg and Colborne cancelled their parades.
Shortly after his meeting with Mayors on Monday, Piccini spoke with Today’s Northumberland.
“From the Province’s standpoint – absolutely, yes,” Piccini said referring to parades.
Piccini said the meeting starting at 8 a.m. was very beneficial in getting feedback from various municipalities in his riding including Clarington, Peterborough and Northumberland.
“So having the perspective from all only benefits everyone in how they plan a safe parade.”
“We’re all working on this together and there is no crystal ball to COVID-19.
“We’ve been there to support community organizations but I understand the realities are different for every community.”
Emphasizing that a parade in Cobourg would be different than a parade in Warkworth and with different groups planning them from Legions to municipalities each represents challenges.
“The point of getting everyone together to have this discussion is how can we do things in a safe manner that get people outdoors. We know outdoors is safe and we know that we can plan these in a safe manner.”
One of the issues communities who intend to host parades would be dealing with is insurance.
“Everybody does want this, it’s about how to get it done.”
Piccini spoke about the volunteers who work long hours to put on these parades each year for children and their families.
“This is so important for children. Our children have been through enough over the past number of months. It’s really important that we all link arms together to try and give them the best possible Christmas this holiday season.
Piccini said he will support any community in how to plan it, “but ultimately it’s these communities that are making the decisions that are best for them.”
“I’m here to support them all regardless of the decisions they make.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
