Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story said April Wine was also scheduled to perform for Port Coquitlam's 2023 Canada Day event.
A spokesperson for the band, however, told the Tri-City News they are no longer scheduled to perform. The city has confirmed it will announce another act by the end of Tuesday (May 30).
Music lovers will be pleased with the exciting line up of entertainment at the 2023 Canada Day event in Port Coquitlam.
The city has announced the schedule for the day's events, which will kick off with a pancake breakfast at Lions Park and conclude with a pyrotechnic display at Castle Park.
Canadian musician Chad Brownlee will be performing their music hits on the main stage at Castle Park, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
The free all-day event includes live music, family-friendly entertainment, a beverage garden, mouth-watering eats from local food trucks, market vendors and more.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their family and friends, grab their beach chairs and blankets and enjoy all the festivities at Castle Park.
“I am excited for our signature Canada Day event at Castle Park, where we come together to connect, engage and show our diverse community pride. There is nothing like the spirit of the Port Coquitlam community,” stated Mayor Brad West in a news release.
“This year’s Canada Day events promise to offer something for everyone and demonstrates the lively community spirit that makes Port Coquitlam the best place to live, work and play.”
The day kicks off with a Lions Club pancake breakfast and fishing derby at Lions Park from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The fishing derby is free for kids under 10 years of age. No registration is required.
The fun continues from noon to dusk at Castle Park with live entertainment, food, beverages and the Grand Finale Fireworks – a full afternoon and evening of free family fun.
Country music on tap
Chad Brownlee is a critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning Canadian country music artist.
He hails from from British Columbia and his love of the outdoors is very much reflected in the singer–songwriter’s chart-topping songs and infectious melodies.
Brownlee’s signature sound blends elements of pop, country and rock, drawing equal inspiration from the classic country sounds of the 80s and the modern pop country sounds of the 2000s.
“The city’s event staff, have planned an exciting lineup of entertainment and activities for Canada Day,” stated Coun. Paige Petriw, council’s designate on community experience, celebrations, events and inclusion.
"We look forward to seeing everyone there for this Canada Day celebration.”
Additionally, the city encourages local residents and families to learn about Canada’s history by reflecting on the past and celebrating the contributions of Indigenous communities and the Indigenous people.
Educational resources are available on Port Coquitlam's Canada Day page.
Canada Day line up at Port Coquitlam
Lions Park - 8 to 11 a.m.
- Lions Club pancake breakfast
- Fishing derby
Castle Park - 12 p.m. to dusk
- Food vendors and beverage garden
- Live entertainment
- Bring a blanket to enjoy the music acts leading up to the fireworks and main stage act featuring Chad Brownlee
- After dark: Grand finale pyro musical
- Free shuttle service
Free shuttles
Event-goers are encouraged to take transit, walk or cycle or enjoy free round-trip shuttle services to and from downtown Port Coquitlam.
Shuttles will run every 30 minutes from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (times may be delayed due to traffic) from the northern and southern side of Port Coquitlam. Details of stops will be provided closer to the event day.
Shuttle busses will drop off event-goers at Castle Park. Strollers are allowed on the shuttle busses and should be folded and placed in the luggage area of the bus.
Call for volunteers
Volunteer positions are available for people age 16 and up who want to be part of the Canada Day festivities.
The Canada Day event attracts thousands of people to Castle Park for a day of entertainment, family activities and more.
Along with the Canada Day festivities the day will include the Lions Park fishing derby, Canada Day Market and more. Approximately 75 volunteers are needed to help stage the event. Opportunities are available for people ages 16 and up in all areas.
In particular, volunteers are needed for:
- Traffic / Parking Control - coordinate traffic and supervise designated parking lots for Canada Day
- Event ambassadors – customer service, wayfinding and helping to make the event a successful one
- Canada Day volunteers must apply through the City of Port Coquitlam’s volunteer registration process. More information and a registration link can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer
Want to get involved?
Discover a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities on Port Coquitlam's Canada Day page until June 16. Sponsors can profile their brand and build loyalty with more than 61,000 residents by becoming part of the city’s signature event.
Contact the city’s special events team today to learn more about creating a unique sponsorship package that suits your organization’s needs at [email protected] or call 604-927-7935.
Canada Day is funded by Canadian Heritage and supported by the Province of British Columbia.
Among the sponsors are Tri-City News (media sponsor) and the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association (PoCo BIA).
