ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The decision to move St. John’s New Year’s Eve fireworks to 8 p.m. instead of midnight was unanimously approved by council Monday evening.
The decision was not without dissent from some residents.
Coun. Jamie Korab submitted a petition to council that he received from residents who wanted the fireworks to be held at midnight as in previous years. It had about 400 signatures, he said.
However, the city made the change to make the event more inclusive.
Coun. Debbie Hanlon said she has already heard from many Go Bus accessible transit users who said they are happy with the decision because it means they can attend the event. The Go Bus service stops at midnight, so in previous years people who required public para-transit services could not attend the fireworks.
The fireworks will be held at Quidi Vidi Lake with DJ entertainment from 7-8 p.m.
Later in the evening, there will be an all-ages, free event with DJ entertainment and pyrotechnics show on George Street. The DJ will be from 11:15 p.m. to midnight, and the pyrotechnics show will begin at midnight.
Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary called the two events a way to ensure “the best of both worlds.”
