CANMORE – Canmore's elected officials want to welcome 2021 and say farewell to 2020 with a fireworks display on New Year's Eve.
Council voted Thursday (Dec. 10) in favour of providing a fireworks display for the community, however doing so without creating opportunities for people to gather in contravention of the current public health measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Mayor John Borrowman made the motion to direct administration to proceed with planning a "limited" display to mark the end of 2020.
"I will note that I have confidence that administration can make this happen on New Year's Eve in a very COVID aware manner, so that there will not be people gathering at the fireworks site," Borrowman said, adding he encourages people to view the fireworks from their own home, with their cohort.
"But I really think we are all so stressed out right now, right across the community and we need something to lift our spirits just a little bit. The fireworks will not be like the big celebration we have had for years with the town party on the pond and all those social gatherings."
Chief Administrative Officer Lisa de Soto said administration has been planning a fireworks display that would not allow any attendance at the site, but would be visible from people's homes in the community.
With provincial restrictions on outdoor gatherings in place, the location of the fireworks is not going to be made public. They will be set off from a "high level" that could be seen throughout the community.
"However, there is an expense to doing this and an optics around that," de Soto said. "We thought that council may want to weigh in on it."
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the motion. Coun. Vi Sandford that Canmore residents will be able to watch the fireworks safely.
"I think we do need to have something to look forward to," she said.
Council agreed the community needs something to look forward to – and expressed confidence in administration's ability to ensure that protocols and restrictions are respected.
"I think we can all use a little bit of hope and I think these fireworks can be the light that brings us there," said Coun. Joanna McCallum.
More details about the fireworks will be made available prior to the Dec. 31 display.
The Town of Banff, on the other hand, has cancelled all events and activities associated with its traditional New Year's Eve celebrations.
However, Banff Lake Louise Tourism has created a light installation under the creative direction of Bridget Ryan of Carter Ryan Gallery.
The Christmas Trail is located at the Parks Canada administration grounds throughout the holiday season and locals are encouraged to take part in the outdoor tour with their cohort.
