Kirkland Lake celebrates Canada Day

Despite the Wednesday’s sweltering heat, Kirkland Lakers celebrated this nation’s 159 birthday across the community.

For many people the day began at the Toburn Mine heritage site for the annual day in the park operated by the Toburn Operating Authority. There was fun for all with games, music, and an art show by the Kirkland Lake Art Club.

In conversation with the Northern News, Toburn Operating Authority chair Mike Leahy spoke of the popularity of the event.

“There are a lot of people showing up and there are a lot of people having fun with the gold panning. We have three extra big nuggets here today.”

Leahy added that there were many new people at the event this year who learned the art of panning for gold.

He also pointed out that the addition of the pathway known affectionately as the yellow brick road is very popular and has been featured on social media platforms. “We have had people taking videos for TikTok.”

As for the operating authority and its status, Leahy says they are in perfect condition.

“We are well off financially and we are looking to make improvements. This year we have made a couple of improvements. We exposed a new piece of outcrop here.” He went on to say that numerous universities run geological field trips through the area and make Toburn one of their stops.

From there, the festivities continued at Civic event for five hours of fun and games thanks to the Kirkland Lake Lions Club.

Kids were treated to various inflatables, mini golf, while vendors displayed and sold their goods in booths across the park.

And of course, the bandstand was rocking with some of Kirkland Lake and the area’s finest talent.

Front and center for it all was Kirkland Lake Mayor Stacy Wight. Speaking with the Northern News, Mayor Wight proclaimed Wednesday a day we can all be happy to celebrate.

“What a glorious day. The community is coming out enjoying everything Kirkland Lake has to offer.

“People have the opportunity to travel around our community and see the different areas.”

The mayor added that the Toburn property is one of her favorite areas of town. “There is a little bit of family history that goes along with this. When you think about it, this is (physically) the start of the Mile of Gold.”

She added from the people of the Toburn Operating Authority the local Lions Club members, and all others who, in their own way, contribute to the betterment of Kirkland Lake. “It is the volunteers that make Kirkland Lake great.”