Patriotic Westmounters get into the swim for Canada Day celebration

While the temperature on July 1 has usually hovered in the mid- to high-20s Celsius, this year it stayed below 20. However, there was no sign of thunderstorm activity, which has often disrupted Canada Day festivities by mid-afternoon.

"This is probably the first time it hasn't rained on us in about three Canada Days," said Mike Deegan, director of Westmount's Sports & Recreation Department, which organized the celebration.

Academy Road resident Peter Weldon, who lives a few steps from the pool, was ducking in and out of his apartment during the festivities, while working on a piece of music at home. "I got up and began eating hot dogs and hamburgers," he said. "Shortly, I'm going to brave the pool."

Canada's national holiday evoked comments from residents about this country's place in a world marked by so much turbulence.

"When we look at what's happening in the other parts of the world — Afghanistan, Iraq, Tibet, the African countries — this is certainly the best place to be," said Stanley Baker, a de Maisonneuve Boulevard resident.

Standing near the edge of the pool, while proudly cradling his year-old daughter, Margarita, McShane Jones and his family were enjoying the day. "We're having a good time, it's a family event," he said. "All four kids and mom are here so we're enjoying a hot dog."

As he cut and served Canada Day cake, Westmount's Director General Bruce St. Louis explained the personal significance of Canada Day. "You've got to do your duty for your country and your city," he said. "This is a fun day. Considering the weather, it's a good turnout. Really it's a community event."

In addition to the scheduled activities, there were also a few instances of spontaneous celebration. For years, it has been a tradition in Westmount — seen only on Canada Day during the Splash Bash — for merry-makers to toss each other into the pool. The Sports & Recreation Department has tried in recent years to discourage the practice.