While there is a province-wide ban on events right now, the City of North Vancouver hasn’t cancelled Christmas altogether.
North Vancouverites won’t be able to gather like usual to watch the city’s giant Christmas tree at The Shipyards light up, but the city has announced the tree will still be glowing over the holidays in all its glory for residents to admire.
“We will be lighting the tree, but due to current provincial public health office restrictions there will be no event,” Stephanie Smiley, city communications officer, said.
Smiley said the city did not have the exact details of when the tree will be lit up. Due to the provincial health restrictions, the city has also cancelled its annual Shipyards Christmas market and cannot plan any other seasonal events. On top of this, the city is still deciding whether or not it will be opening the The Shipyards Skate Plaza, the region's largest outdoor ice-skating rink.
However, Smiley said families and households will be welcome to enjoy a “warm and elegant holiday light display” at The Shipyards, while respecting all PHO restrictions.
“There will be twinkling lights, festive music and Christmas trees families can enjoy daily,” she said.
The lights, sponsored by Seaspan and PEAK Technologies, will add festive cheer to The Shipyards from Nov. 28 to Jan. 4 from sunset onwards.
Smiley said the city is working with the province and following all restrictions and guidelines they put in place.
As a reminder to residents, by order and direction of the PHO, all events and social gatherings are suspended to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions and travel.
This includes galas, musical or theatre performances, seasonal activities, including indoor and outdoor holiday events, silent auctions and movie viewings in cinemas.
Elisia Seeber is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
