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                             ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

                                            Date: May 23, 1996
                                            File No. 3504-26

    TO:       Vancouver City Council

    FROM:     General Manager of Engineering Services

    SUBJECT:  Five Year Extension of the "Symphony of Fire"


    RECOMMENDATION

         A.   THAT, in so far as its powers permit, Council approve, in
              principle, a "Symphony of Fire" International Fireworks
              competition for English Bay for the five-year period 1997 to
              2001, subject to compliance with all City requirements as
              established through the FEST Committee.

         B.   THAT Council, in so far as it has the legal power to do so,
              authorizes the event to take place for such five year period
              as required by the Noise Control By-law and other relevant
              by-laws.

    COUNCIL POLICY

    Council will approve annually major special events occurring on street,
    using City property, or where the event could have an impact on the
    adjacent public.


    PURPOSE

    The purpose of this report is to submit for Council's approval, a
    request from the Vancouver Fireworks Society for a five-year extension
    to the Benson & Hedges Inc. "Symphony of Fire" International Fireworks
    Competition (see attached letter).

    BACKGROUND

    The first "Symphony of Fire" was held in the Summer of 1990.  This
    first year resulted in significant impacts mainly in the West End from
    the large crowd of people driving around, looking for parking.

    In March 1991, a meeting was held with West End residents to talk
    generally about the many events that were taking place in the West End
    in the Summer, and particularly the Symphony of Fire.

    In addition to a number of useful suggestions with respect to portable
    toilets, transit and information signing, two conclusions arose from
    the meeting:

    1.   A majority of the audience were supportive of the Fireworks.

    2.   The West End should be closed to all non-resident vehicles as a
         way to control the traffic and parking impacts.

    As a result of this meeting, a very significant traffic control plan
    was, and continues to be, implemented that closes the West End to
    non-resident traffic.

    This plan is reviewed and modified as necessary each year.  Any
    significant changes to the Traffic Plan would be reported to Council.

    In September, 1991, Council approved the "Symphony of Fire" for a
    five-year period, from 1992 to 1996.

    DISCUSSION

    The overall impacts of the "Symphony of Fire" have stabilized.  The
    crowd size, which largely determines the level of impact, does not vary
    significantly unless the weather is particularly poor.

    Many Departments within the City (including Police, Engineering, Parks,
    Fire and Health) as well as a number of outside agencies (including the
    Coast Guard, Harbourmaster and Ambulance Service) are involved in
    successfully putting on a "Symphony of Fire".  Co-ordination of these
    agencies is monitored by the FEST Committee.

    The major issue of most concern to the public is traffic control.  Each
    year, Police and Engineering, in consultation with the event organizer,
    review this plan.  Any issues that may require a modification to the
    plan are reviewed and addressed.

    One issue that has never arisen, but which could happen under very
    adverse weather circumstances, is the cancellation of an evening's
    fireworks.  This could happen only when winds are in excess of 50
    km/hr.  In this case, a decision would be made prior to the 6:00 p.m.
    evening news so the public could be informed.  The event would be
    rescheduled for the next evening.

    The impacts and circumstances of the "Symphony of Fire" have not
    changed appreciably over the last four years and are not anticipated to
    change in the future.  Therefore, staff are recommending approval of
    the event for a further five years.

    The event organizer understands that circumstances could change
    appreciably and impacts of the event may exceed what Council is
    prepared to accept.  In this case, if these impacts cannot be reduced,
    Council will review its approval of this event.


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