Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Baie D’Urfé parents and toddlers gathered at the park in front of the lake across the street from Fritz Farm recently for National Truth and Reconciliation day.

“It’s tough to bring little ones to downtown Montreal. We keep it here and we keep it local and anyone who would like to join from neighbouring communities are always welcome,” Baie D’Urfé Mayor Heidi Ektvedt told The Suburban.

Ektvedt reached out to Baie D’Urfé resident Oana Silagui, who is commonly known in the neighbourhood for her initiatives in the community, particularly with creating innovative and unique activities for toddlers.

Silagui told The Suburban that she was pleased to host the event as it gives toddlers as well as their parents an opportunity to participate in a way that is possible for them at their stages in life. “It’s just so amazing to sit with the kids and read with the kids and hear their ideas.”

Baie D’Urfé Recreation Technician Megan Smith put together a craft activity for the event in which children, with the help of their parents, were encouraged to partake.

Pizza, beverages and snacks were served to participants.

Prizes from a name draw, including the book itself, were handed out at the end of the reading.

“We share culture and we share a connection and to me there is no better way than storytelling,” Silagui said.