Calgary construction spoils Santa's parade

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus — but he won't becoming toCalgary. Downtown construction has cancelled the annual parade that brings out thousands of people every winter.

The Calgary Downtown Association, which organizes the Santa Claus parade, said Tuesday that construction and road closures made it impossible to keep the tradition going this year.

The parade was scheduled along 6th Avenue Southwest, part of which has been shut down for construction of EnCana's 59-storey office tower. The association said alternative routes are also affected by other road closures that also block access to parkades.

There will be a Christmas party instead at Olympic Plaza on Nov. 17, the date that had been set aside for the parade.

Calgary'sSanta Claus parade drew about 60,000 spectators in 2006.