Vancouver road closures for Celebration of Light announced
Posted July 21, 2023 11:52 am.
The Celebration of Light fireworks show returns to Vancouver’s English Bay Saturday, with thousands of people expected to flock to beaches and parks to take the event in.
The City of Vancouver is warning of traffic road closures in anticipation of the fireworks performance, recommending people take transit, walk, or bike if they can to get around affected areas.
A map showing road closures in Vancouver’s West End for the Celebration of Light fireworks show. (Courtesy City of Vancouver)
On July 22, as well as 26 and 29 — the second and third days of the festival — people are asked to take note of the following:
TRAFFIC CONTROLS from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm
- Beach Avenue closed from Pacific Street to Davie Street
- Burnaby Street from Beach Avenue to Bidwell Street
FULL ROAD CLOSURES from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Beach Avenue/Pacific Street from Stanley Park to Thurlow Street
- Davie Street from Denman Street to Burrard Street
- Denman Street from Alberni Street to Beach Avenue
The city says vehicle access will be limited in the West End and Kits Point to people who live in those areas and who have a local parking decal or vehicle registration with an address there.
The Celebration of Light kicks off on Saturday with Australia set to dazzle spectators. Mexico is second up, with its show set for Wednesday, July 26. The final country to take part in the three-day festival will be the Phillippines, which will light up the sky on Saturday, July 29.
The annual event is regarded as the longest-running fireworks competition in the world and is owned by the volunteer-run Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.
Related article: Celebration of Light fireworks countries announced
Last year marked the festival’s return after a two-year COVID-19-induced hiatus. The 30th year of the festival saw Team Canada beat out Japan and Spain.
“This event sparks joy and plays an important role in fostering a vibrant Vancouver. To ensure this event remains an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone, we will be working closely with our partners at the Park Board, Vancouver Police Department and Emergency Services,” said Mayor Ken Sim.
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