On Thursday, December 14th Canada Place Corporation and the Vancouver Port Authority, in association with the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, will mark the official opening of Christmas at Canada Place with the lighting of the 35-foot Zajac Ranch for Children Christmas Tree.

Join Vancouver's own Jane Mortifee, CKNW's Kevin Hayes and children from the community as we "flick the switch" on Vancouvers tallest outdoor Christmas Tree and launch Christmas at Canada Place.

WHAT: Opening Night of Christmas at Canada Place
WHERE: Canada Place front plaza
WHEN: 4:00pm - 6:00pm, Thursday, December 14, 2006 (tree lighting at 4:30pm)

Christmas at Canada Place, now in its 19th year, will feature the beloved Woodwards Windows, visits with Santa in his Workshop at the Port of Vancouver's Interpretive Centre, kids' crafts in the Little Elves' Playhouse, Gingerbread Mens March and the World's Largest Mailbox.

The event runs from December 14 to 23rd and admission is by monetary donation in support of the Strathcona Community Centre's Food Security for Children Program providing year-round hot meals and snacks to kids on the downtown east side. Visitors are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or new unwrapped toy to help Fill A Container of Christmas Dreams benefiting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and local charities. Don't miss the exclusive free showing of the IMAX Theatre's Santa vs. The Snowman 3D at 5pm on December 14. Please dress for the weather.






For more information, please contact:

Kerri Buschel
Community Relations and Communications Specialist
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9177 (office)
(778) 231-7415 (cellular)
kerri.buschel@portvancouver.com

-or-

Robyn McVicker
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Canada Place Corporation
(604)775-8419 (office)
rmcvicker@canadaplace.ca

For more information:
For more information on any of these stories, call 1-888 PORTVAN.
Or, send an email to:
public_affairs@portvancouver.com