TIMMINS -- While many Santa Claus parades throughout the province are cancelled this year due to COVID-19, officials in Cochrane say they've come up with a plan to ensure it's a safe event.

"What we've done is we've worked closely with the Porcupine Health Unit and they're providing us advice and we're going to follow their advice to the T," said Mayor Denis Clement.

How people will watch the parade this year will be key to keeping everyone physically distanced.

"Instead of gathering on the sidewalks like they might usually do, (people will) stay in their vehicles," said Yvonne Lemieux, the town's special events and marketing coordinator. "We're asking that you only have people in your vehicle that are part of your immediate household ... so everyone can sit in their cars and watch it like you're at a drive-in movie."

The parade will take place Thursday, Dec. 10, starting at 6 p.m. and it will wind around Lake Commando.

"We're just asking that our floats operate a little bit more safely this year so social distancing on the float, wearing the appropriate PPE, but aside from that we're still hoping for the same level of decorations, same level of music and fun that our community is used to our parades," said Lemieux.

"Christmas isn't going to be as we're used to and we thought that putting on a parade -- controlled parade so to speak -- then hopefully we can at least put a little bit bright, positive spin to Christmas," added Clement.

Children will still receive treat bags at the parade, but they will be prepackaged and volunteers will deliver them to families in their vehicles.

After Santa arrives, there will be a fireworks display over the lake. 

Correction:

The parade is being held on a Thursday, not Saturday as initially reported.