The City of Port Alberni has received approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) to install a limited light display on Johnston Road in time for the holiday season.

B次元官网网址淲e understand how disappointing it is not to be able to view this yearB次元官网网址檚 Christmas light display on Johnston Road,B次元官网网址� said city CAO Mike Fox. B次元官网网址淣ow that we have received the required temporary approvals from the province, the city will be moving quickly to erect the lights on Johnston Road early next week.B次元官网网址�

For the first time in many years the cityB次元官网网址檚 light display on lower Johnston Road did not include strings of lights and Christmas-themed characters that usually stretched from one side of the highway to the other. Members of the public voiced their displeasure on social media and numerous calls to government officials. City councillor Cindy Solda brought up the lack of lights at the Nov. 27 council meeting, expressing her disappointment.

Fox said at the time that through talks with MOTI the city learned their Christmas lights did not meet provincial standards for lights that cross highways. Lower Johnston Road is considered to be part of provincial Highway 4. The city also did not have a permit for the lights.

Transportation ministry policy requires municipalities to apply for a permit to ensure all safety requirements are met when stringing lights across a highway. These include safety clearances for commercial vehicles and ensuring lights do not obstruct street signs.

In advance of next yearB次元官网网址檚 holiday season, Fox said the city will be seeking public feedback on its festive lighting program.

B次元官网网址淲e understand the holiday season is a stressful time for many of us,B次元官网网址� Fox said in a statement released Thursday afternoon.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檇 like to thank everyone for their patience and help, including the cityB次元官网网址檚 operations manager, MLA, mayor and council and ministry staff, to get the Christmas lights back up on Johnston Road.B次元官网网址�