Whitney Pier to hold its own Santa Claus parade after spat with CBRM

A group in Whitney Pier, upset over reports the community will not be included in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality's Christmas parade route, plans to host its own Santa Claus parade.

Allan Nathanson said he's been told the municipality's parade will eliminate part of the route and will no longer end on Victoria Road in Whitney Pier, as it has in past years.

Nathanson, chair of the Friends of Neville Park Society, a group working to revitalize the community, said the Santa Claus parade originated in the Pier almost 50 years ago and it's an important tradition for residents.

"They took our Christmas lights, they've never come back with our Christmas lights," Nathanson said, adding it might not seem like a lot to most people, but it means something to the community.

"It was really nice at Christmas time and now they want to take the Santa Claus parade," he said.

Not the first time

It's the second year the issue has come up and Nathanson said he's not interested in fighting a losing battle so a group of community members got together Wednesday and made the decision to hold their own parade.

It will be held Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. A parade route has been picked and now they're hoping to see organizations and businesses enter floats.

"We're inviting anyone and everyone from whatever part of CBRM you're at, if you wish to come to the Pier and be part of our parade, we welcome you with open arms," he said.

"This is for kids. This is for families. This is important to our community."

CBRM spokesperson Christina Lamey said there's been no decision about the municipality's parade route.

She said the committee is still considering several options, including a stretch through the Pier.

The municipality's parade will be held Nov. 28.