With thousands of Vancouverites expected at the Celebration of Light fireworks and Pride festivities, the City of Vancouver is reminding residents and visitors there will be road closures in place.
Now in its 29th year, the annual Celebration of Light is the longest running off-shore fireworks competition in the world and one of the largest events in Vancouver.
India will start off the festival July 27 with Croatia taking centre stage on Aug. 3 as the first-time competitors take on team Canada, which will show off its stuff on July 31.
With limited parking and huge crowds expected in the West End and Kits Point, the city says transit, walking or cycling are the best options to get around town to enjoy the special events.
TransLink is also boosting transit service and adjusting bus routes to deal with the crowds.
To accommodate the fireworks events, various road closures will be in effect with traffic disruptions anticipated.
CELEBRATION OF LIGHT ROAD CLOSURES
- local traffic only north of Cornwall St from Arbutus to Chestnut St (6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
- full closure of Davie Street from Denman to Burrard Street (7 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
- full closure of Denman Street from Alberni Street to Beach Avenue (7 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
- full closure of Beach Avenue/Pacific Street from Pacific St to Stanley Park (7 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
- eastbound closure of Beach Ave from Davie to Broughton on July 27 and July 31 (12 p.m. until 12 a.m.)
- westbound closure of Beach Ave from Pacific to Davie Street with local access retained on Aug. 3 (12 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
The city says vehicle access in these areas will be limited to residents with a local parking decal or vehicle registration displaying a local neighbourhood address.
PRIDE
This year’s Pride will include the inaugural Davie Village Promenade, a family-friendly gathering with patios at many of the restaurants and interactive art pieces.
Davie Street will be closed between Thurlow and Jervis from noon on Friday, Aug. 2 until 4 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 4.
SPECIAL EVENT TIPS
To help ensure that these events run as smoothly as possible, the City asks residents to follow these top tips:
- Walk, bike, roll, or take transit whenever possible.
- Stay ahead of road closures.
- Be aware of fireworks viewing point markers, especially those marking the high tide points along the beach.
- Use the “Pack-it-in/Pack-it-out” method to take home and recycle items.
- If you see litter on the street, consider picking it up and placing it in a container.
- Use the zero waste stations recycling and waste receptacles present throughout downtown.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, cup or take-out container to enjoy all of your favourite snacks.
- Be considerate of the community and keep noise to a minimum when leaving evening events.
- Respect the no smoking ban in Vancouver parks. Refrain from using barbeques.
- Follow safe boating guidelines and carry your boating license with you at all times if you are watching the fireworks from the water.
- Leave your pets at home. Fireworks and large crowds can be very frightening for animals. If you choose to bring your dog with you, make sure it’s wearing proper identification.
