History

On This Day July 31

Historical Events:

  • 1972 — The Canada-USSR Summit Series hockey series was announced. This was a famous Cold War-era hockey showdown between Canadian NHL stars and the Soviet national team, which began in September that year.

  • 1951 — The Canadian Pacific Railway officially ended passenger service on its last steam locomotive line.

  • 1987 — A tornado outbreak struck Edmonton, Alberta on July 31, 1987 — known as Black Friday — killing 27 people and causing massive damage. It remains one of Canada’s deadliest tornadoes.

Notable Birthdays:

  • Sherry Hawco (born July 31, 1964 – 1991), a Canadian gymnast who competed in the 1978 Commonwealth Games.

  • Wesley Studi (born July 31, 1947) — Although he’s American (Cherokee Nation), his work has had impact in Canada’s film scene as well, especially in Indigenous representation.

Fun Fact:

  • July 31 is often the mid-point of summer vacation for Canadian students, and many families are enjoying peak cottage season or traveling.