TORONTO — Queen's Park is celebrating the holiday season with an impressive display of decorations this year. The Ontario legislature, often referred to as the pink palace, is adorned with more Christmas lights and festive decor than in previous years. The Speaker of the legislature aims to make the building more inviting and accessible to the public.

In past years, the exterior featured little more than a single large tree wrapped in lights. This year, however, the grounds are illuminated with lights on hedges and tree trunks, along with festive reindeer decorations and strings of lights at the main entrance. Inside, the grand staircase has traditionally showcased Christmas decor, but this year, the decorations have expanded significantly. The building now features a large tree made of plastic poinsettias, real poinsettias throughout the staircase, giant chandeliers of lights, archways of lights in the hallways, and Christmas trees positioned outside the chamber doors.

Donna Skelly, who became Speaker earlier this year, expressed her commitment to making the legislature more welcoming. "The legislature is a beautiful building and even more so at Christmas," Skelly said. She recalled a moment shortly after her election when she walked through the halls, reflecting on her fortune to work there. "When I was elected Speaker, I wanted to make sure that other people right across the province had the same opportunity to come here, and would want to come here," she added.

Skelly noted that the exterior of the building had been somewhat neglected over the years. She emphasized the need for improvement, stating, "Whether it’s the lack of decorating or even the investment in maintaining this building, it’s been somewhat neglected over the years, and I just wanted to make sure it was given the respect it deserved."

During a recent question period, politicians from various parties applauded the decorations. Liberal member Adil Shamji praised the transformation, saying, "Madam Speaker, may I begin by complimenting you on your spectacular transformation of the legislature. Between the decorations, the trees, (and) the cheer, it’s a reminder that Christmas is almost here."

Meeting minutes from the Board of Internal Economy, which oversees the legislature's finances, indicate plans for even more extensive decorations. The board approved a budget of $500,000 for holiday decor this year, along with an annual allocation of $150,000 for storage, installation, and removal. Skelly clarified that the actual spending was much lower than the budget, as most of the decorations are rented. "Initially, there was a hope that we could light up the entire building," she said. "We have purchased some permanent light bulbs outside, but we’re under budget, much under budget."

Noah Jarvis, Ontario director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, expressed concern about future spending, suggesting that the budget could increase in subsequent years. "At the end of the day, Queen's Park doesn’t need to be decorated to the T," he remarked. "Average Ontarians are able to decorate their properties for far less money."

This year, the decorations were set up earlier than usual, which meant using artificial trees instead of real ones. Skelly plans for the decorations to remain in place until Orthodox Christmas in January. She emphasized the importance of making the legislature accessible to all Ontarians, sharing her personal connection to the building.

"My very first trip as Speaker was to my hometown, to my high school in Sudbury," she recalled. "I’m making a genuine effort to make sure that this building is available and that people in Ontario want to come here. It is their home, and I want them to feel that they are welcome at Queen’s Park."

To encourage public engagement, the legislature will host several events during the holiday season. A holiday artisan market is scheduled for Saturday, and a "Taste the Holidays" event will take place at the assembly gift shop on December 1. Additionally, children's choir performances will begin on the same day, and festive light events will commence later in December. Visitors will have opportunities to tour the building, meet Santa, enjoy caroling, and participate in holiday crafts.