Canada Day in Milton has always held a special place in my heart and in the hearts of Miltonians. The last time it was held was 2019 and since that time it’s been cancelled because of COVID19 as well as the disbanding of the former committee. The annual event started over 25 years ago organized by a joint citizen committee that organized it as well as the Milton Santa Claus Parade – it quickly grew in size and split into two separate organizations. Many Canada Day Committee members have been volunteering for over 15 years, devoting their time and energy mostly without thanks or recognition.

Pat Rideout a committee member for 15 years and past Sponsorship Chair spoke at the last Canada Day in 2019 of the current committee retiring and passing the reins to a new generation. Shortly after she retired from the committee in 2019 she passed away on January 17, 2020 after a quick and difficult battle with cancer. Pat committed her life to improving the community and was involved in multiple organizations from Milton Santa Claus Parade, Milton Canada Day Committee, Milton Tennis Club, Habitat for Humanity and many others.