Prince George, B.C. – A parade and community barbecue today in the VLA will be a chance to celebrate everything that’s good about the neighbourhood, rather than what’s negative.

That from Lee Stewart, director of the Prince George VLA Enhancement Association, who says the community’s bad reputation is unwarranted.

“It’s definitely unacceptable, this is a very honourable, very noble neighbourhood. 99.9 percent of the people in the neighbourhood are good and literally a handful of bad actors gives the community a bad name,” he says.

“There’s been negative connotations with what I call offensive words being used to describe the VLA. It’s called the VLA, that’s it. There’s no other name to apply to it. It’s the VLA and we’re very proud of that.”

Stewart says the VLA has a long and proud history in Prince George, going back to when land in the neighbourhood was allocated to returning World War II veterans.

“All the homes in the VLA are, or the majority of them, were soldier built and we’re a community with heart.”

He says they’d like to show that spirit with today’s festivities.

“We’re going to have a great day starting at 11 o’clock, there will be a parade starting at Oak and Diefenbaker.”

Stewart says it will be led by the Legion Colour Party, a pipe band, the mayor, members of council and more.

“We’re going to hopefully have a good showing of kids who have decorated their bikes and moms that have decorated their strollers march in the parade.”

He says the fun will conclude with a community barbecue in Milburn Park.

“We’re going to have bouncy castles, a fire truck, hot dogs, drinks and watermelon,” says Stewart. “Because this is all about family and our community. We’re a very tight and bonded community and that’s what we’re showing here.”