Celebration

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June 1, 2021

3 Things to Do in Markham on Canada Day 2021

Your annual search for things to do in Markham on Canada Day is probably a little different this year, just as it was last year. With the COVID-19 pandemic response still ongoing, there’s no certainty as to whether large events will be allowed. But, if you don’t want to miss out on the patriotic fun, we have some ideas to help you. Here is how to celebrate Canada Day from home with your family.

1. Fireworks from Home

For many, one of the great thrills of Canada Day is the fireworks. You don’t need to have a huge gathering to enjoy a pretty light show. In fact, you may prefer the more personalized experience of having your own little fireworks in your backyard.

When can you do fireworks in Markham for Canada Day? You can do family fireworks anytime as long as you have a permit to do so. The permit is $204.50 and can be completed online. Be sure that you understand firework safety before you start too.

2. Canada Day Celebration Kits

The government of Canada offers four different activity packs that you can enjoy for Canada Day.

They all aim to help deepen your appreciation of our unique culture. Here are your options:

Maple Leaf Activity Pack: Offering several arts puzzles and a Canadian artist playlist. This is also great for those who enjoy Canadian arts.
Peace Tower Activity Pack: The Peace Tower activity pack has trivia, colouring, and a 3D model of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa. It’s a great pack if you want to entertain kids and adults.
Beaver Activity Pack: This activity pack is all about movement. It encourages you to move and to explore nature too. Build a time capsule or enjoy the scavenger hunt.
O Canada Activity Pack: Culinary achievements are another thing to celebrate about Canada and this pack brings them to the forefront. Learn to cook bannock, chili and Canadian sweet treats.

Creating an outdoor living space is easy with MPS Property Services. We will help design and build the outdoor living space of your dreams, so you and your family can enjoy Canada Day in the safety of your own beautiful home.

CONTACT US

Canada day popsicles and strawberries on a plate

3. Canada Day Activities for Kids

What if you’re looking for crafts and activities to keep the kids busy during Canada Day? Here are some fun options:

Red and white sidewalk chalk: You can make your own chalk with just three ingredients. You will need Plaster of Paris, liquid tempera paint or powdered paint, and water. Then, let the kids draw up Canadian symbols on the driveway. It’s a great way to connect with the neighbours too!
Streamer wands: With sticks and red and white ribbons you and your kids can make your own streamer wands. Then, let them run around with them in the backyard to get some energy out!
Leaf rubbing: This classic kids activity of finding leaves and using crayons to make their imprint on paper is even more fun for Canada Day. You’ll have to head out and snip off some leaves first.

Have fun and be safe this Canada Day by incorporating fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Enjoy your outdoor space all year long by turning it into an outdoor living space. Contact our team of experts, we would be happy to create the outdoor oasis of your dreams.

_Sources:

https://www.blogto.com/radar/2020/06/things-to-do-canada-day-2020-toronto

Oh, Canada! Active ways to celebrate Canada Day at home

https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/7-ways-to-celebrate-canada-day

https://onetimethrough.com/canada-day-activities-crafts-kids

December 17, 2018

Will 2018 be a White Christmas?

MPS Team Celebration, Snow & Ice Management

What are the chances of a White Christmas in 2018 for Southern Ontario?
For many, a “white” Christmas is more than just a beautiful Christmas carol; it is the literal icing on the Christmas cake that brings extra joy and fun to the occasion. After all, what could be better than waking up on Christmas morning to a beautiful blanket of freshly fallen snow that adds that little bit extra to the festive flavour of the holiday?
For those of us in Southern Ontario, specifically the GTA, having snow on the ground on Christmas is in no way a certainty. In fact, according to the fine folks at The Weather Network, we have a 50% historical probability of snow at Christmas. Not exactly going out on a limb there, are they!
A little more research shows their projection for the week of Christmas to be within the normal seasonal range for daytime highs and lows, however, a glimmer of hope for snow exists with a predicted 1 cm snowfall on Christmas Eve. Whether it sticks on the ground or not is another story.
Meteorologist Brett Anderson, of AccuWeather, is equally hesitant to take a hard stand with his prediction, citing multiple long-range computer models to conclude that the weather around Christmas in the GTA will be “seasonal” with snow showers “possible”. In other words, the certainty of having snow on the ground is just a coin flip.

Maybe more “traditional” prognosticators will have a stronger opinion for the chances of a white Christmas. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is hinting that overall December will be 2ºc colder than normal (averaging -6ºc), precipitation a staggering 2cm (sarcasm alert) above average, and with a possibility of snow showers on or near Christmas. The only thing that seems certain at this point is uncertainty.

With even the storied Almanac hedging their bet for a white Christmas, where can we turn to for a more definitive answer about Christmas snow? Well, the brave people at willigetawhitechristmas.com are not afraid to make bold predictions regarding Christmas weather; in fact, it’s what they were created to do. At the time of writing, they are confidently predicting a 25% chance of a white Christmas for our region.
So there you have it; and if you are a betting person, you can confidently wager on having no snow on Christmas this year. Or maybe just a little bit. Possibly. Or possibly not. Who really knows? I know I don’t!

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December 14, 2018

O Christmas Tree!

MPS Team About MPS, Celebration, Snow & Ice Management

The holiday season is officially upon us and that means it’s time to pick-out your annual Christmas tree! However, have you ever wondered where this tradition began or how to choose the right type of Christmas tree for your home? We’ve put together a quick blog to answer all your Christmas tree questions!

History of the Christmas tree:

So, how did the tradition of Christmas trees come to be? Well evergreens have been associated with seasonal celebrations since ancient times, specifically celebrations happening around the winter solstice (Dec. 21). Plants and trees that remained green all year represented growth and therefore had a special meaning for people during winter.
During the 14^th century “Miracle Plays” held annually on December 24th required stage props of apple trees. In colder climates this led to the use of decorated evergreens. The traditional red and green seasonal colours developed from these plays and stage props. Over time, foods were added as decorations on the trees. Gradually, metal ornaments replaced some of the edible decoration. The use of an evergreen tree as part of the Christian Christmas celebration started 400 years ago in Germany and spread to most of northern Europe by the 19^th century.
First use of evergreen as a Christmas tree in Canada occurred in Sorel, Quebec in 1781. The next recorded use was in Halifax in 1846. After that, use spread quickly.
Today, the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario and the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association have declared the first Saturday of December as Christmas Tree Day in Canada.

The most popular varieties of Christmas trees to buy in Ontario are:

1. Scotch Pine:

When someone mentions a Christmas tree, you probably picture a Scotch pine (also known as a Scots pine). Tall, triangular, and vividly green, the Scotch pine reigns as the top Christmas tree in Canada. Part of its popularity is owing to the fact that the Scotch pines hardly sheds any of its long needles, even once it dries out. The strong, curved branches also hold ornaments well. If you can’t decide which type of Christmas tree to choose, this is a safe bet!

2. Balsam Fir:

Balsam Fir trees hold their needles well and are a good choice if the decorated tree is to be left standing for a long period of time. While the Scotch pine wins the popularity contest, the Balsam fir is definitely the most Canadian Christmas tree! The balsam fir’s short, flat needles make its slender branches easy to decorate. However, it may have trouble accommodating large or heavy ornaments.

3. White Spruce:

The White spruce has thick, heavy branches that are perfect for weightier ornaments. In the right light, its dark green needles take on a lovely shade of blue. . The spruce needs lots of water however, and must be watered regularly to prevent it from losing its needles.

4. Fraser Fir:

In many respects, Fraser fir and balsam fir are quite similar. Fraser firs are known as one of the longest-lasting species of Christmas trees. In fact, they’re so hardy that Canadian tree farmers ship them all over the world!

5. White Pine:

Many people think that the graceful White pine is the most beautiful of all Christmas tree varieties, even though its soft needles make it difficult to decorate. White pines are a great choice for those who want a more natural-looking tree due to their soft, feathery appearance.

6. Blue Spruce:

The Colorado Blue spruce isn’t your typical Christmas tree. It has sharp needles, a unique fragrance, and a decidedly off-colour name. But no other Christmas tree boasts the natural, silvery shimmer of the Blue spruce. If you’re looking for something different, this tree could be the one that stands out for you
Is tree farming harmful to our environment?
NO! Christmas trees are, except for cultivated forests, the most environmentally friendly crop around. This is because a tree is harvested only after ten years. To ensure future harvests, ninety percent of the farm must remain in trees all the time. Christmas trees are also recycled into mulch after they have been collected by your local municipalities.
Farms in the GTA:

Horton Tree Farms
Tufford Family Tree Farm
Smalley’s Christmas Trees
MacPherson Christmas Tree Farm
Bose Tree Farm