Holiday lights will soon be hanging across Johnston Road at the entrance to Port Alberni after all — although the traditional display will be pared back from previous years.
The city had not installed its typical huge strands of lights above the road this year after discovering the longstanding practice did not meet provincial permit standards for lights that cross highways.
Johnson Road is considered part of Highway 4 and lights have to be strung above a minimum height level to accommodate larger vehicles, said chief administration officer Mike Fox.
The absence of the lights didn’t go over well with many residents of the city of 25,000 people, who took to social media sites to express their displeasure at the change.
So to keep the tradition alive, city staff and provincial officials put their heads together to come up with a solution.
Mayor Sharie Minions said Friday that a variance granted by the province is allowing the city to install a limited light display on Johnston Road in time for the holiday season.
“We understand how disappointing it is not to be able to view this year’s Christmas light display on Johnston Road,” said Fox. “Now that we have received the required temporary approvals from the province, the city will be moving quickly to erect the lights on Johnston Road early next week.”
Fox said there will be fewer strands of lights, which are strung on wires, and some decorations traditionally part of the lights will be installed elsewhere because they weighed down the lights.
The city will be seeking public feedback on its festive lighting program prior to the next holiday season.
