Airdrie Festival of Lights jeopardized after electrical upgrades deplete half its budget

A fleet of new LED bulbs means the Airdrie Festival of Lights is brighter than ever this year, but the upgrade has come at a great cost.

"We're at real risk of not running next year," said festival coordinator Michelle Pirzek.

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The not-for-profit depleted half of its annual operating budget this year stripping and re-stranding every single one of its 800-plus light displays.

But the $50,000 project wasn't for aesthetics.

The festival's old lights didn't work with the ground fault circuit interrupters it had to install to comply with new Canadian Electrical Code regulations that came into effect in January.

Pirzek said the festival is happy to comply, but just didn't expect to have to replace everything all at once.

"It's been tough for us," she said.

The City of Airdie's electrical safety code officer says the upgrade was definitely necessary.

"We've had almost every year phone calls from electricians after they walk through that place and they go 'why isn't the city doing something about that, oh my God, look at that wiring," said Don Bradshaw.

Pirzek said the cold snap hasn't made the situation any better.

The festival relies on donations and sales from hot chocolate and train rides, but those activities have not been running during these frigid temperatures. The lights, however, are still on for those who want to bundle up and brave the chill.