National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Update, Sept. 20, 2022

Spencer Smith Park will host local Indigenous people and support groups who have identified their willingness to participate in a public display or ceremonial gathering between 4 – 7 p.m. A reflective walk will start at the Pier at 4 p.m. and end at the Lift Bridge lighthouse where a ceremony will take place before heading back to Spencer Smith Park. Participants wishing to join are encouraged to wear orange shirts and moccasins.

Community groups and local Indigenous communities to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Spencer Smith Park

The City of Burlington is extending an open invitation to all residents and Indigenous people of Burlington and Halton to come to Spencer Smith Park on Sept. 30, 2022, between 4 and 7 p.m. to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The City will provide free space within the park for groups to set up their own displays, interactive events, or information booths.

Everyone is encouraged to come to the park to learn, honour and participate in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events and displays.

Groups wanting to participate can register by contacting the Festivals and Events office at festivalsandevents@burlington.ca. There is no cost for groups hosting an event or display and there is no cost for people to attend.

Details for participating groups:

• Set-up time: 2 to 4 p.m.
• Event time: 4 to 7 p.m.
• Tear-down time: 7 to 8 p.m.
• City to provide park access and insurance only
• No electrical or water hook-up will be available
• Participating groups must bring all resources/supplies such as tables, chairs, tents, stage/riser, etc.
• Tents can be no bigger than 10 feet by 10 feet
• No staking anything to the ground. Tents should be secured with weights
• No parking. Participants are to use available downtown parking. Vehicle access to the park for drop-off must be pre-arranged indicating number of vehicles entering between 2-2:30 p.m. Vehicles must be removed from park no later than 3 p.m. Tear-down begins at 7 p.m. and vehicles may be brought back into park at that time for load in.