Road closures, temporary surveillance planned for Victoria Santa Claus parade
Police and event organizers are putting the finishing touches on their preparations for Victoria's annual Santa Claus light parade.
The 40th Peninsula Co-Op Santa Claus Parade will hit the streets of downtown Victoria Saturday evening at 5 p.m., but road closures will begin several hours earlier.
Victoria police say Belleville Street will be closed between Douglas and Menzies streets from 2:30 p.m. until approximately 7:30 p.m.
Government Street will be closed between Humboldt and Superior streets during that same window, as will Menzies Street between Belleville and Superior streets, police say.
Several other roads will be closed for a shorter span, from 5 p.m. to roughly 7:30 p.m. They are:
- Humboldt Street between Government and Douglas streets
- Douglas Street between Belleville and Bay streets
- The Johnson Street Bridge, Esquimalt Road at Tyee Road and Esquimalt Road at Harbour Road
"Emergency vehicles and BC Transit will be permitted to cross the bridge when officers determine it is safe to do so," the Victoria Police Department says in a statement.
The route for the 40th Peninsula Co-Op Santa Claus Parade is shown in this map from the Greater Victoria Festival Society. (gvfs.ca)
Police also say they'll be deploying their temporary, monitored surveillance cameras during the parade.
VicPD often deploys the cameras during planned gatherings in and around the B.C. legislature and the downtown core. The department encourages anyone with questions about the cameras to email engagement@vicpd.ca.
"The deployment of these cameras is part of our operations to help keep the event safe, peaceful and family-friendly and is in keeping with both provincial and federal privacy laws," police say. "Temporary signs are up in the area to ensure that the public is aware. The cameras will be taken down once the events have concluded."
More information on the Santa Claus Parade can be found on the Greater Victoria Festival Society website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.