PORT ALBERNI – The Christmas light display across lower Johnston Road has been dimmed due to a lack of provincial permits for crossing a highway.
City CAO Mike Fox said staff and council are disappointed that the locally made light displays are not up.
“We know that Christmas lights mean a lot to people, especially when students made the decorations, it becomes personal,” he said. “I know council was quite surprised when this issue came up, and all I can say operationally is we will strive to do better and make sure that we don’t delay Christmas lights in the future.”
Fox says the city was advised of the need of a permit in October, but other sources say the city has known for years.
Initially Fox was doubtful that permits could be completed and lights could be hung this year, but late yesterday he said there was a possible variance coming from the Ministry of Transportation for this year.
