Ottawa Santa Claus parade plans being adjusted after deadly Wisconsin attack
Posted Nov 26, 2021 07:14:00 PM.
Organizers of this year's Santa Claus parade in Ottawa say plans are changing for this year's event due to safety concerns.
Help Santa Toy Parade and Santa’s Parade of Lights had teamed up in an effort to deliver three mini Santa Claus parades; one in Kanata, another downtown Ottawa, and one in Orléans. But it announced on Friday, November 26, that it will be scaling back.
Last weekend, a vehicle crashed through a parade route in Wisconsin, killing six people and injuring dozens of others.
“These details were addressed immediately by our committee and City staff assisting our efforts,” wrote Bob Rainboth, co-chair Help Santa Parade of Lights. “After lengthy discussions and plan revisions, the following was decided. Our intended plan to hold three mini parades were scaled back to one parade in the downtown core.”
“As difficult a decision this was to make, we focused on the safety and security of both participants and parade watchers,” he continued. “Working with our colleagues within various city departments and Ottawa Police Services, a comprehensive safety and security plan has been developed.”
The parade is set for December 4 at 11 a.m. and will follow the traditional Help Santa Toy Parade Route; beginning at City Hall on Laurier Avenue, it will proceed west to Bank Street and down to Fifth Avenue, ending just before Lansdowne.
