Victoria Day fireworks have again been removed from Dundas Driving Park.

But unlike a city decision to completely cancel the event in 2005, this year's event has been relocated to Christie Lake Conservation Area while Dundas Driving Park is under construction.

With work in the park not expected to end until after Victoria Day weekend, city staff went looking for another local site for the annual fireworks show. But, as staff concluded three years ago, there is no other safe, viable location for a fireworks show in the Valley Town.

"There's absolutely no area in Dundas that meets the conditions," local city councillor Russ Powers told his community council last week.

He said Hamilton Conservation Authority is happy to host the event at Christie Lake, for this year only, the organization's 50th anniversary.

"I have the commitment in writing, the Victoria Day fireworks will return to the Dundas Driving Park in 2009," Mr. Powers said. "In my opinion, it's the best of the options we have."

Staff apparently reviewed the possibility of holding Victoria Day fireworks at Redland Landfill next to Dyment's Farms and at Dundas Valley Trail Centre.

They also checked out Olympic Park, Martin Memorial Park, Dyment's Farms and Highland Secondary School. Each of six locations posed problems with safety, insufficient parking or not enough space for the 7,000-plus spectators anticipated, according to city staff. Planning is now expected to move forward for this year's Victoria Day fireworks at Christie Conservation Area.

A full day of activities may also be organized. City staff say the area meets all safety and space conditions for a fireworks show, and adds the option of firing the show over a lake. Admission to Christie Conservation Area for the show will be free. It is located at 1000 Highway 5 West.