Fireworks Crowds Deserve Better Transit After Celebration of Light

 🚍 Fireworks Crowds Deserve Better Transit After Celebration of Light

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Every summer, thousands flock to Kitsilano and English Bay for the Celebration of Light fireworks. It’s beautiful, magical—and then a total nightmare when it's time to go home.

From my apartment, I watched it all unfold. Masses of people streaming out, trapped in traffic, waiting and waiting... with barely a bus in sight.

We can do better. And we should.

🎆 The Problem

After the fireworks end, streets like Cornwall, Yew, and Burrard become overwhelmed with:

• Pedestrians walking in the dark
• Drivers stuck in gridlock
• Buses unable to get through
• Families, children, elders walking miles because no transit shows up

This happens every year. So why hasn't it been fixed?

🚌 A Simple Solution

TransLink already owns articulated buses that carry 100–110 people each.
Why not line up 10 of them just off Cornwall—say at Yew—and move 1,000 people out quickly?

All it takes is: ✅ Pre-staging buses before the show
✅ Temporary traffic control—dedicated bus lanes for 30–60 minutes
✅ Clear announcements on where to board (even signs!)
✅ A few staff or Transit Police to manage lines

It’s not rocket science. It’s common sense—and it would make a huge difference.

📅 There Are Still 2 More Chances

TransLink and the City of Vancouver have two more fireworks nights to redeem themselves:

• Wednesday, July 24
• Saturday, July 27

Let’s hope they step up. And if not, we’ll keep pushing for real solutions.

Thousands of people love coming to the fireworks. They should love leaving too.

❤️ From the Heart of Kits

I’m Zipolita, an artist and local resident watching it all unfold. I believe in creativity, community, and common sense. Let’s make transit work for the people who need it most.

If you agree, share this and tag @TransLink. Maybe together, we can spark some change.

#Kitsilano #Vancouver #TransLink #Fireworks2025 #CelebrationOfLight #BetterTransit #ZipolitaSeesAll