Efforts to bring back the Celebration of Light, Vancouver Santa Claus Parade, and revitalize the Granville Pedestrian Zone enabled by the Safe Streets for BC plan.

VANCOUVER, BC — Conservative Party of BC candidate Margareta Dovgal today committed to take action to revitalize Vancouver’s local economy, invest in key tourism infrastructure, and bring back iconic community events that families and visitors have missed.

Under the initiative, the flagship Celebration of Light event will serve as the focal point of a coordinated effort to restore world-class festivals to the city’s waterfront, alongside the return of the beloved Vancouver Santa Claus Parade and key investments in the Granville Pedestrian Zone.

To make these events sustainable for taxpayers, Dovgal will take the lead on securing new private-sector partnerships and corporate sponsorships to help fund and operate these major local attractions.

“Vancouver’s world-class events and vibrant public spaces are central to our economy, our tourism sector, and our sense of community,” said Margareta Dovgal, Conservative Candidate for Vancouver-Yaletown. “For too long, vibrant traditions like the Celebration of Light and the Santa Claus Parade have faced financial instability, public safety concerns, and administrative hurdles. If elected, I am committed to working directly with our business community and private partners to ensure these iconic events return stronger than ever.”

Safe Streets Are Essential for Vibrant Events

The festival recovery initiative is enabled by the Conservative Party’s broader Safe Streets for BC plan. A Conservative Government recognizes that event revitalization and tourism investment can only succeed if residents, families, and visitors feel safe walking down city streets and gathering in public spaces.

By taking firm action to clean up streets, enforce laws against open drug use, deploy additional police officers, and address chronic street disorder, the plan will create a welcoming, secure environment across downtown Vancouver—including key corridors like Yaletown, the West End, and Granville Street.

“Bringing back our festivals requires more than just funding, it requires safe streets,” added Dovgal. “Families shouldn’t have to think twice about bringing their children downtown to watch fireworks or see Santa Claus. By restoring public safety, cutting down on open drug use, and maintaining clean streets through our Safe Streets for BC plan, we are creating the foundation needed for local businesses, tourism, and community events to thrive once again.”

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Alex Shiff, Director of Media Relations
media@conservativebc.ca