Falls is party ready
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Queen Victoria Park will go on, despite the potential for recordbreaking cold weather Sunday night in Niagara Falls.
While Ottawa and Charlottetown have cancelled their outdoor New Year’s Eve celebrations due to the expected extreme conditions in those areas, the Niagara Parks Commission will go ahead with its annual event along the Niagara Parkway.
“It’s never been discussed, but it’s certainly something we obviously need to look at,” said Niagara Parks chairwoman Janice Thomson, when asked if the agency ever considered cancelling the free outdoor concert.
“Perhaps it’s something we should look at in the future. There’s always a consideration of what amenities we have for people, what warm-up areas there are. There are so many restaurants, hotels, and public spaces around there that are open and warm, and we feel that it’s always going to be a spectacular destination. Frankly, part of the fun is doing something unique, and that is unique.”
On Friday, Environment Canada was forecasting temperatures of -12 C to -15 C for New Year’s Eve, while the Weather Network was forecasting temperatures of -14 C to -18 C, but feeling more like in the -20°C range.
And for the thousands of people expected to gather at Queen Victoria Park for the annual celebration, it could feel even colder being near the Horseshoe Falls.
“I think we’re relying very strongly on the fact that we’re Canadians, and Canadians love winter,” said Thomson.
“As long as we know to dress properly and prepare — the parks is putting everything possible in place to ensure comfort. We’re always concerned about public safety obviously, and public comfort as far as it can go.”
She said Niagara Parks is going to place two Wego buses outside Queen Victoria Park to offer another place for people to warm up during the show.
“They’re welcome to go and use this other facility that we’re just putting in temporarily.”
Thomson said this year’s celebration is particularly exciting, as it will be back on live television.
Queen Victoria Park will be the host site for CBC’s national Canada 150 NYE broadcast, hosted by Rick Mercer.
“I think it’s a great profile for the event, and it’s always been seen as a major national celebration, New Year’s at Niagara Falls,” she said.
“I think it’s terrific, and to have it hosted by Rick Mercer is also a high-profile event for us, so we’re happy to be part of that.”
Thomson said having such a major event in the heart of the tourism district on the last night of the year always helps Niagara Falls as it prepares for the following tourism season.
“I’d say for the last few years we’ve been on a very positive trajectory with regard to the growth of tourism, so I just see this helping to keep that growth curve continuing.”
For those who would like to watch the celebration unfold, but from the comfort of their own homes, the CBC broadcast is scheduled to start at 11 p.m.
People can also stream it online at cbc.ca/watch, or the CBC YouTube channel.
The broadcast will feature select musical performances from an all-Canadian lineup including Jessie Reyez, Simple Plan, Marianas Trench, and James Barker Band in Niagara Falls.
In addition to Niagara Falls, the special will also capture celebrations from cities nationwide, with guests, performances and firework displays in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax and St. John’s.
For those who attend the celebration, the free outdoor concert — which will also feature twotime country pop female vocalist of the year Jess Moskaluke — is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m.
There will be two fireworks displays: 9 p.m. and midnight.
There will be a variety of food and beverage options, as well as an outdoor licensed area.
The presence of security and police will be on site to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the night.
As for traffic, Niagara Regional Police are encouraging people plan ahead and consider alternate routes, carpool, utilize public transit, or consider parking and walking into the area surrounding Queen Victoria Park.
“There will be road closures in the immediate area during the evening, so we ask motorists and pedestrians to be aware and factor that into their plans,” said NRP spokeswoman Stephanie Sabourin.
She said police officers will also be conducting RIDE checks throughout the region on New Year’s Eve.
“We encourage drivers to plan ahead — designate a driver who will not be consuming alcohol or drugs, arrange for a safe ride home or stay the night. We also ask drivers to be aware and recognize that they may not be in a position to legally drive the following morning depending on their alcohol consumption the night prior.”