CANMORE – While elected officials in Canmore were happy to support a proposal to have a New Year's Eve fireworks display for the community in a socially distanced manner, Alberta Health Services has recommended against .
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."
However, AHS officials said the event as planned is not recommended. A statement provided by director of media relations and issues management James Wood said the municipality requested feedback about the event from AHS and environmental public health (EPH).
"The Town was provided guidance in line with what AHS EPH has told other municipalities which have requested input concerning COVID-19 safety in relation to outdoor gatherings," Wood wrote in an email. "AHS EPH provided the Town with the opinion that this would be a festival/event and should not occur under the current COVID-19 restrictions set out by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
"Even though the Town may not have planned to reveal the location from which the fireworks were to be set off, it’s natural for people to want to gather to watch – and controlling access to popular viewing areas would be difficult to maintain.
"While this is understandably disappointing to those looking forward to such a celebration, for the protection of public health, AHS EPH recommended against it."
General manager of municipal services Sally Caudill said Wednesday (Dec. 16) that it is unclear whether or not Canmore will proceed with the fireworks as planned.
Caudill said that during a conference call with municipal officials, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw was asked about the potential drive-in fireworks displays and her response was that mass gatherings are not allowed.
While Canmore is not planning a drive-in style event, the intention for the display was that it could be seen from people's homes and that they would remain in their cohorts to watch them.
"We are waiting to hear from AHS and the province on what that means," she said.
Given the provincial restrictions on outdoor gatherings, Caudill that the location of the fireworks would not be made public. However, they would be set off from a "high level" that could be seen throughout the community.
Council voted unanimously to support the display, noting 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.
