- Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Sonia, for that warm introduction. And a huge thank you to the Four Colours Drum Circle for leading us through that beautiful ceremony and opening our day in a good way.
- As Vice-Chair of TRCA’s Board of Directors, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you all to this year’s TRCA Celebrate the Humber, one of our signature events of the year.
- It is always one of my personal favourite celebrations, especially because it closely coincides with the start of a Toronto summer. And honestly, there is no better way to spend a summer day in our city than by getting outdoors and truly connecting with nature.
- So, why celebrate a river? Because the Humber is so much more than just water flowing through our city. It’s a living part of our history, culture, and nature.
- Indigenous communities relied on this river as the Carrying Place Trail, a vital route for trade and travel. It later shaped the early settlement of the Toronto area. And that deep cultural and recreational value is exactly why Canada designated it as a Canadian Heritage River back in 1999 under the Canadian Heritage Rivers System program. And to this day, it’s still the only Heritage River in the GTA.
- But heritage isn’t just about looking back. It’s about the trails we walk today, the parks we enjoy, and the habitats we protect for the future.
- TRCA is currently updating the Humber River Watershed Plan to help keep it healthy as our region grows and changes around it.
- Today is part of that story. It’s our chance to celebrate these waters and inspire all of us to become true stewards of this waterway.
- There is so much to explore. Make sure to check out the live casting demos, arts and crafts, and our three guided walks, including a cross-cultural perspective walk with Cat Criger at 1 p.m.
- And new this year, we are excited to welcome two community partners: Parks Canada – Learn to Camp and the Greenbelt Foundation. They are offering engaging, hands-on activities that promote camping skills and environmental stewardship for all ages. A huge thank you to these partners for joining us and sharing their knowledge with everyone today.
- If you’re excited for the FIFA World Cup 2026, head over to the Soccer Nets Station to show us your skills! And as you wander around, enjoy the incredible soundtrack playing throughout the park, showcasing brilliant local, Canadian, and Indigenous artists!
- As I wrap up, I want to thank the dedicated TRCA staff, including the Education and Training team led by Colin Love, the Government and Community Relations team, including Sonia Dhir, and our incredible Events team, for all their hard work in putting this event together, year after year.
- We have a fantastic day ahead of us. And we are so fortunate to have federal support to help us mark the occasion. Please join me in welcoming the Member of Parliament for Taiaiako’n–Parkdale–High Park, Karim Bardeesy.
[MP Bardeesy delivers remarks.]
