Article content British Columbians will be free to gather, dine out, gamble, exercise, attend festivals and watch sporting events with the lifting of most of the province’s COVID-19 restrictions, starting on July 1. And, all of it can be done without wearing a mask. Premier John Horgan called the announcement that will end some old restrictions, in favour new guidelines, “an exciting day.” We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or COVID-19: 'Exciting day' as B.C. lifts many pandemic restrictions Back to video “After the longest public health emergency in Canadian history, I believe it’s safe to take the next step forward. We can cheer for our kids at the soccer game, in the arena, in the gymnasium. We can go to a friend’s place for dinner. We can plan that wedding. We can go to the theatre. We can go to a concert. We can engage again in what makes life so important,” he said.