Vancouver’s Bright Nights Charity Searches for New Venue Amid Train Closure

The annual holiday tradition, Bright Nights, hosted by the B.C. Professional Firefighters Burn Fund, is seeking a new venue following the closure of its signature attraction in Stanley Park. For 27 years, this charity event has illuminated the park with festive lights and featured the beloved miniature train, which has raised substantial funds for burn survivors and the families of sick and injured firefighters.

The train, however, has been out of operation since December 2022, when an incident involving exhaust fumes led to a driver requiring medical attention. This was not an isolated occurrence, as the aging equipment has faced ongoing issues. In light of the train’s indefinite closure, the Vancouver Park Board has decided to replace Bright Nights with a new event, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, which charges an admission fee starting at $49. This fee is significantly higher than the traditional pass for Bright Nights, which has historically offered a family-friendly, charitable experience.

Jeff Sauvé, executive director of the burn fund, expressed disappointment about the announcement regarding the train. “We were of course disappointed when we heard the announcement that the train wasn’t going to be up and operational,” he stated. The burn fund is now seeking alternative venues and hopes to announce a new plan in the coming weeks. “I’m not sure if it will cover what we traditionally have through Bright Nights at Stanley Park, that’s a longstanding tradition,” he added.

Bright Nights has played a crucial role in the burn fund’s annual budget, with past events raising as much as $500,000. These funds come not only from ticket sales but also from donations made by visitors enjoying the festive atmosphere, which includes thousands of holiday lights strung around the train station. Approximately 800 firefighters dedicate close to a month each year to set up the elaborate decorations.

The Vancouver Park Board, meanwhile, is exploring new operational and business models for the train site. In discussions with the burn fund, the board aims to support the charity in reaching its fundraising goals. “This needs to be treated as a reprieve while the park board can figure out what the future of the train is,” Sauvé emphasized.

Despite the challenges, the community has stepped up, with many individuals and businesses offering support. “The public has been unbelievable,” said Sauvé, noting that numerous donors have reached out to inquire how they can assist. The burn fund is committed to ensuring that holiday celebrations continue, emphasizing the need for a “great plan B” to provide a festive space where families can still engage with firefighters and enjoy the season.

While the future of the miniature train remains uncertain, the burn fund is determined to adapt and maintain its charitable impact, showcasing the resilience of community spirit during the holiday season.