Thinking green: Canada Day parade means no gas powered vehicles

The Canada Day parade is returning to Fredericton this year. There hasn't been a Canada Day parade in the capital city since 2008.

But don't bother bringing any gas powered vehicles because theparade is going green.

"We have always had a huge Canada Day celebration in Fredericton and up until 2008 that day also included a parade and due to some road work and traffic problems we were unable to have the parade for a few years," said Fredericton Canada Day Committee chairman Paul Wentzell

He said after not having the parade for a few years they decided to forgo it altogether.

A green parade means that no gas powered vehicles will be allowed. Environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, golf carts are allowed. According to the city, fuel burning vehicles have to be pushed or pulled.

The reason for green

Wentzell said that the reason for going green is two-fold.

In previous years there was a large number of commercial vehicles with a lack of creativity on a short and limited route and of course, the environment.

"We really wanted it to be a people and activity oriented parade and usually our best exhibits have been ones that are really interactive," he said.

"[You should] really put some thought into it, get creative, get on bicycles, get on roller skates, just have people walking in the parade doing some sort of activity, there are all kinds of ideas out there."

Support for going green

And the support for a environmentally friendly parade is there.

Rene Comeau, a Fredericton resident, said he's excited that Fredericton continues to charge forward in terms of climate change.

"I think that's amazing, especially during a time where Trump has pulled the States out of the climate change agreement," said Comeau. "It's nice to see the municipality of Fredericton stepping up and making the statement that we are environmentally aware."

For Wentzell that's exactly what the committee is doing.

"The environment is top of mind for everybody and our parade route runs right through our primary celebration area so it's nice not to have it clogged up with a bunch of vehicles," he said.

"Global warming and climate change have never been more important topics than now."