There will be no fireworks at Richmond's popular annual Canada Day celebration due to community safety concerns.
The 77th Steveston Salmon Festival set to take place on Monday is teasing the return of its iconic salmon bake and a new "Catch of the Day Stage," which will feature family-friendly acts including Juno Award-nominated Ginalina Fusion Folk Music and Richmond's Midnight Cruiser Band.
Unlike last year, no pre-orders are being offered for the salmon bake in order to provide "the best possible experience for all festival goers," the organizers told the Richmond News in a statement.
"The salmon bake is always a popular choice, but not everyone has an opportunity to order in advance," reads the statement.
Also different this year is the grand finale for the festivities. Rather than ending with a fireworks display, the organizers are offering an "extended evening of entertainment" with live music with Canadian dance band Dr. Strangelove will close out the night at the Spirit of Steveston Zone.
"In the interests of community safety, a decision was made by the Steveston Salmon Festival Organizing Committee not to stage fireworks on Canada Day in Steveston this year," said city spokesperson Clay Adams, citing environment and fire risk concerns.
"The noise, smoke and visuals that fireworks generate can have a negative impact on wildlife, animals and others," he added.
A small fire had ignited on the fireworks barge during last year's festivities but was quickly extinguished.
Meanwhile, TransLink announced on June 28 that customers will only need a 1-Zone fare to travel across the transit network on Canada Day.
The bus service will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule, while the SkyTrain will operate on an extended Sunday/holiday schedule.
The free Discovery Shuttle and the Steveston bike valet will also be available.
For a full list of activities at the Steveston Salmon Festival, click here.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected]. To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter.
