Urgent Update: Winnipeg’s Iconic Christmas Lights Remain Dark

UPDATE: The countdown to Christmas has begun, but Winnipeg’s iconic holiday light displays will not illuminate downtown this year as essential infrastructure upgrades take precedence. After 25 years of festive cheer, the beloved decorations, including snowflakes and angels, are stored away in a city warehouse, and officials confirm it may take up to two years for the new poles to be ready for installation.

Derek Resch, Winnipeg’s supervisor of public service operations, addressed the situation, stating, “I’m sure as the snow hits and people start to get into a bit more of a festive mood, they might start to notice their absence.” The light displays typically grace Portage Avenue and Main Street, but are currently sidelined as Manitoba Hydro replaces aging “heritage” light poles deemed unsafe.

The utility service warns that the previous poles have reached the end of their service life and needed to be removed “before they became a risk to public safety.” While the new streetlights will resemble the old ones and will accommodate the holiday lights, the installations are not expected to begin until next year.

This year, the city has put up five smaller light displays on medians and a new Christmas tree at city hall, but the absence of the downtown displays has left many residents feeling a void. Local resident Sarah Manabat expressed her disappointment, saying, “It’s been kind of sad… where’s the Christmas spirit? Where are the lights?”

Historically, these light displays have been a cherished part of Winnipeg’s holiday tradition, with roots dating back to 1929. The displays faced interruptions during the Great Depression and World War II, but they were revitalized in 1956, leading to the LED designs we know today, introduced in 1999.

Winnipeg historian Christian Cassidy reminisced about the impact of the displays, stating, “I still think there’s something that people look forward to, and it’s something unique to the downtown that no other part of the city has.” The city’s festive ambiance will also be affected as it coincides with the Santa Claus parade and Grey Cup festivities, which would have drawn crowds to the vibrant downtown atmosphere.

Resch encourages residents to explore other neighborhoods for holiday lights, noting, “One great thing about Winnipeg is no matter where you’re driving around our city, there’s lights everywhere and there’s a lot of amazing displays.”

Even with alternative displays across the city, the absence of the traditional downtown lights is palpable for many, as Melody Olowo remarked on their importance to the city’s aesthetic. “It’s really nice to look at,” she said.

The community continues to express its hope that the city will prioritize the installation of new, fancier poles that can support these cherished decorations. As Winnipeg gears up for the holiday season, many are left waiting in anticipation for the return of their beloved Christmas lights.

For now, the festive spirit remains dimmer than usual in downtown Winnipeg, as residents and visitors alike await the return of these iconic displays.