It’s official. Council has voted to cancel 2020’s Kids’ Safe Halloween and the Christmas Senior Supper.
The decision was made last night after Director of Economic Development and Community Services Stephan Poulin asked council for direction on the future of the events.
With Marcel Noël Hall being used as the community’s COVID-19 assessment centre for the foreseeable future (at least the next 4-6 months), as well as the province’s COVID related guidelines and protocols (limited attendees for indoor events, contact tracing, facial coverings, physical distancing, limiting large gatherings) and risk management, council decided unanimously to cancel both the fast-approaching Kids’ Safe Halloween as well as the Senior Supper.
The Kids’ Safe Halloween (like the Senior Supper) traditionally takes place in Marcel Noël Hall, and features local businesses and organizations giving candy to hundreds of children. It also usually sees a long waiting line that stretches back to Complex’s north-facing parking lot.
Council, however, did not cancel the Christmas Parade yet, as they will look for possible alternatives.
Mayor Savage says that this doesn’t mean that Halloween is cancelled entirely in the community, and it is the resident’s own prerogative to go door-to-door.
“The hall is currently being used as an assessment centre. That’s important. The decision from council came from a public safety standpoint. Everyone’s being cautious. It’s just one of those years. There’s nothing normal anymore. Until this pandemic is behind us, these types of events have to be looked at and they made the decision to cancel it.” said Poulin.
“It’s heartbreaking to cancel both indoor events however throughout these unprecedented times the safety and well-being of everyone is Council’s priority,” said Mayor Savage. ” We can’t let our guards down and we need to mitigate risks of a 2nd wave. Our residents have been amazing, respecting health guidelines and we need to continue to work together.”