Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade opts for broadcast-only event again
For the second year in a row, Santa Claus will not be marching through the streets of Toronto.
Organizers announced Friday that the 117th Original Santa Claus Parade will be a broadcast-only event this year.
"We are disappointed and I'm sure there are many members of the public who are disappointed," Clay Charters, the president and chief executive officer of the parade, told CP24 Friday afternoon.
"We've been looking forward to returning to the street. We continue to look forward to returning to the street, and we know that we'll be back on the streets celebrating the holidays with Torontonians in 2022. And in the meantime, we know we've got a great show lined up that will be beamed right into everyone's home so they can celebrate the start of the holiday season on December 4th."
Charters said the decision not to hold the parade in person this year was made several weeks ago, given the time needed to plan for the event.
He noted that his organization took into consideration several factors in its decision, including children under 11 years old are still not eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and parade organizers would not be able to control access, check vaccination status and enforce physical distancing rules and proper masking.
On Friday, the Ontario government announced it intends to allow for greater capacity at organized public events such as Santa Claus parades but has not provided further details.
Robin Martin, the MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence, wrote a letter to Charters on Friday, asking him to reconsider the parade's decision and proceed with an in-person celebration.
"Not only are the vast majority of Torontonians now vaccinated, but public health and health indicators are stable. The chief medical officer of health has said there is minimal risk associated with individuals and families gathering at outdoor events, so long as basic public measures are adhered to, including masking when distancing cannot be maintained," Martin wrote.
"Our province's plan to safely reopen provides Ontarians with more certainty around getting back to doing the things they love. I hope we can work together to ensure that includes this year's Santa Claus Parade."
The parade, held since 1905, usually marks the official start of the holiday season in Toronto. Downtown streets would be filled with thousands of spectators, primarily excited children wanting a glimpse of St. Nick.
The parade typically features colourful floats, bands and hundreds of Santa’s marchers.
In 2020, the Santa Claus Parade did not hold its outdoor spectacle for the first time in its 116th year history due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade was pre-recorded at Canada’s Wonderland and aired in a two-hour primetime special.
Charters said he is excited for the public to see what they have in store for the 117th edition of the parade. He added that there will see "return to some normalcy in the parade."
"We're gonna have all the bands that you'd be able to watch. We're gonna have some great musical performances and guests," Charters said.
"And then obviously some new floats which we'll keep under wraps for a little bit of time and let people get excited to see them. And we hope that everyone will enjoy the broadcast."
You can catch this year's Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. on CP24, CTV and CTV2.
CP24 and CTV are divisions of Bell Media.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.