From family fun at home or in the community to political action along the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion route, there’s plenty happening in New Westminster on this B.C. Family Day long weekend.
What’s happening?
The City of New Westminster is providing opportunities for folks to piece together a customized family adventure this weekend that includes creative activity toolkits and virtual experiences. This year’s online Family Day activities have been designed to be safe and follow COVID-19 guidelines.
“Planning events and activities this year isn’t easy with COVID-19 restrictions, which is why our staff have planned a wide variety of safe tools, activities, and inspiration for everyone to enjoy,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of our resources – create, discover, get active, and try something new while celebrating family.”
How can we celebrate?
Free offerings for residents of all ages can be enjoyed throughout the Family Day long weekend, starting on Saturday, Feb. 13 and running until Monday, Feb. 15 – Family Day. Activities include a virtual science show, a virtual dance party, free activity kits, art workshops.
A number of unique programs are being held this weekend, including: Virtual Quarantine Kitchen, a family baking experience (register early to receive a free ingredient kit); a choose-your-own-adventure scavenger hunt where participants will help Youth Services find the key to the city (register to receive a free detective kit containing information needed to solve the case).
Anything else?
Free activity kits designed to provide some family fun include items from a variety of community organizations and locations in the city. They include crafts, games, activity sheets and more.
Details, please!
Registration is open now. You can find a full list of activities at www.newwestcity.ca/familyday.
Is there anything else happening on Family Day?
Some locals, including Sapperton resident Ruby Campbell, are taking a stand against the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion on Family Day and inviting others to join them. The Anti-TMX Community Coalition feels the risks of the pipeline expansion are too great and believes it’s not too late to stop the project from proceeding. They’re encouraging families to print or make a sign, walk or bike along the pipeline route, take a selfie and share it on social media (using hashtags #StopTMX #FamilyDay #FamiliesfortheFuture) and tag federal government decision-makers. Details can be found on Facebook (search for Families for the Future).
Are any local venues having events?
Fraser River Discovery Centre, located at 788 Quayside Dr., is hosting a variety of free, fun, family-friendly crafts, games and activities from Feb. 13 to 15. The weekend’s offering include learning about various topics related to the Fraser River, doing origami, playing Bing-Gull and exploring the centre’s exhibits as part of a scavenger hunt.
But what about COVID?
All activities will meet the requirements of Fraser River Discovery Centre’s COVID-19 health and safety plan, which includes pre-registration, limited group sizes, timed visits, physical distancing and the need to wear masks at all times. For more information – and to pre-register – go to www.fraserriverdiscovery.org.
Beyond New West?
The Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria is offering a full day of digital programs for B.C. Family Day on Monday, Feb. 15 These include taking a behind-the-scenes Orcas tour, creating an animal portrait, taking a nature tour and enjoying an IMAX screening of Humpback Whales in your own home. Details at www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/family-day.
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
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