CanadaDay_spotlight

Canada Day celebrations could be on the move.

Mayor Steve Black says the fireworks committee is asking the event be relocated to Gillies Lake in 2016.

The matter was voted on by council Monday night and was passed 7-1 with Councillor Bamford the only one opposing the move from Participark to Gillies Lake.  Councillor Rock Dubeau said he’s in favour of the move mainly due to safety concerns about closing the Mattagami Bridge during the fireworks display.

“If there’s a vehicle accident, the only extrication equipment we have is here in Timmins Hall, there is none in the volunteer system in the Mountjoy.  So as to access the west end of town, you’d have to go by Lafleur Dr. and that would slow down response time”

Fire chief, Mike Pintar echoed his comments saying closing the bridge is a bit of a concern.  He said they’ve had decent success setting emergency vehicles on both sides of the bridge but that means splitting up their forces.  He says leaving the bridge open to vehicles is out of the question because it’s filled with pedestrians watching the fireworks.

Mayor Steve Black said switching the venue isn’t set in stone but is confident with celebration taking place just about anywhere in town.

“I have seen fireworks at the McIntyre. I have seen fireworks at Gillies Lake. And I have seen them at the river, and I’m perfectly content we will be able to have a festival at any of those three locations or possibly others within the community.”

He adds council’s decision to relocate will be examined by Tourism Timmins and if any problems arise from hosting the event at Gillies Lake, they’ll find another suitable location.