Huge crowds expected for Celebration of Light

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – All eyes on the sky tonight with the annual Celebration of Light kicking off above English Bay. Local shops and restaurants will be watching their cash registers with a boost to business.

Several hundred thousand people are expected to descend on English Bay over the next two weekends.

Paul Tilbury with the Celebration of Light says the three shows have become a huge economic driver for the city. “Many people are staying that extra night, booking hotels, eating meals, visiting our attractions and of course visiting our retail stores in and around the West End and that certainly adds to the $40-million of economic impact that the Honda Celebration of Light has annually.”

Tilbury notes hotels downtown are the biggest winner, but there is a trickle-down effect. “There is benefits all around whether it is car rental or retail or the great selection of restaurants we have in the West End of Vancouver. It all contributes to that overall economic impact.”

He also expects to see more Americans taking in the shows thanks to our low loonie.

It’s the Netherlands tonight, Australia next Wednesday, and the U-S and a Disney-themed show to wrap things up next weekend.

 

BC Ambulance, Vancouver Fire, and the VPD will have hundreds of extra officers at the event

Vancouver Deputy Chief Constable Warren Lemke says the last few years have been pretty tame but if you see something suspicious, call 911. “The large police presence is also intended to recognize, respond to and deal with incident quickly. We want to encourage people to report anything that appears suspicious so officers can respond.”

Lepard says officers will be on the look-out for anyone with open liquor. “It is going to be zero tolerance for anyone spotted consuming liquor in public which includes all buses, trains and the seas bus and all train stations and bus loops.”

A fine will cost you $230.

Vancouver Police will also be using social media to let you know during the event about any safety, traffic or transit issues.

Celebration of Light 2016 road closures.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today