Apparently there’s no room for carolling and reindeer at Occupy Vancouver.
The organizers of the Rogers Santa Claus Parade announced yesterday that the annual event on Dec. 4 will be rerouted away from the Vancouver Art Gallery because the grounds are “not available this year.”
On Tuesday, Vancouver city council decided it wouldn’t force the removal of tents that have been on the gallery grounds as part of the Occupy Vancouver protest since Oct. 15.
For the past four years, the parade has used the gallery grounds as a Christmas square, featuring live entertainment, children’s activities and the central location for the parade’s donation drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
“It’s really the hub of the parade,” explained producer Robyn Jones-Murrell.
But not this year.
Because of Occupy Vancouver, organizers have rerouted the parade to turn north on Burrard instead of continuing east on West Georgia past the gallery.
The Christmas square has also been moved from the central VAG site to Thurlow Street, between Georgia and Melville.
Instead of handing the protesters a lump of coal, Jones-Murrell said she’s focused squarely on ensuring the parade is a success.
“We’re just working with the city to find the best option,” she said. “We’re excited about the new route and can’t wait to get going.”
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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