ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — For a conversation about fireworks, it didn’t have much sparkle.
St. John’s city council approved its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display during Monday’s regular meeting.
“This year it’s going to be a little bit of a scaled-down event given that we’re into a pandemic,” said Coun. Shawn Skinner.
“All our ancillary events to the fireworks have been cancelled because of COVID,” noted Mayor Danny Breen.
At 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, the city will put off its annual fireworks display over Quidi Vidi Lake, but people will be asked to remain in their vehicles to watch the fireworks.
Last year, the city worked with the George Street Association on a midnight pyrotechnics show, but that’s cancelled this year. Instead, the city will partner with a local TV station for a midnight showing of the 8 p.m. fireworks.
If people do leave their vehicles, or walk to the site, they will be asked to wear a mask and stay in their own bubble.
The usual DJ and countdown celebration event held lakeside is cancelled this year, as are city-hosted daytime events such as gym activities and skating parties.
City staff are, however, working on developing a list of activities families can participate in during the day.
While last year the city worked with the George Street Association on a midnight pyrotechnics show, the city said that’s also cancelled this year. Instead, staff said the city will partner with a local TV station for a midnight television showing of the 8 p.m. fireworks.
Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary used the discussion as an opportunity to ask about fireworks that go off in neighbourhoods outside of reasonable times, and whether there’s been any progress on that from a regulatory perspective.
City solicitor Cheryl Mullett said city officials have met with the St. John’s Regional Fire Department to create a decision note for council, and they will have something within the next couple of weeks.
As for an event in the more immediate future — the Santa Claus parade — Breen said Downtown St. John’s is still working on a plan.
Juanita Mercer reports on municipal politics in St. John’s.
