AN AUGUST LONG WEEKEND IN CANADA

Celebrating the Civic Weekend in Ontario, gives workers a day off to start the month of August. This year really early as Monday is the first of August. Known also as Lord Simcoe day- a prominent figure in Ontario and Canadian history. One who divided Yonge Street into east and west. Did you know he was an abolitionist and against any policy that did not treat all people equal and well. The Imperial Statue of 1790 let settlers bring slaves to Upper Canada but would become free. I found an article by Dr. Bryan Walls online entitled Abolition of Slavery in Canada. He writes about our Lord Simcoe. PBS had a production about the Underground Railroad. PBS.org. It is wonderful to see that a figure we know today was so instrumental in shaping opinion and public policy in our province and country. For most Ontarians, however, it is much needed long summer weekend to enjoy the beautiful weather, go to the beach, have a family barbecue or to chill with a favourite beverage.

THANKS LORD SIMCOE FOR THE LONG WEEKEND

Returning to work after a long weekend is always tiring. The Civic Long Weekend always the first weekend in August helps us to celebrate Lord Simcoe's contribution to Canadian and Ontario history. Yonge Street was created in 1790. The abolition of slavery in this country is accredited to him. Many people just enjoy a long weekend. Toronto had the Scotiabank Caribbean celebration-used to be called Caribana!! Brings people from many parts of the world- especially the United States and Caribbean Islands to celebrate culture, dance, music and food. Of course our long weekend had 3 days of thunderstorms and some places like Burlington had some flooded roads. Luckily my house is still standing. A long weekend just gives a time to regroup! An extra day gives extra time to putter or go to the cottage or entertain friends and family! Being summer allows time to sit outside- in between storms of course- to read, to suntan or just listen to the birds. I actually have times of the day I like to watch the planes go over on their last lag to Pearson Airport. Back to Lord Simcoe- so if you do not know much about him- look it up. Learn some history. Remember those who went before us and built some of the infrastructure we have in this country. Especially the charity and humanistic pieces of our lives. Are you wondering- did Lord Simcoe and Lady Simcoe have a piece of these? Of course, Lake Simcoe is named after him- that's a no brainer!!