The Lions Festival of Lights display at Confederation Park Golf Course will go ahead as planned this year, after a dispute between the city and the volunteer group was resolved.

The Lions Festival of Lights Society said in June it might have to cancel its popular holiday season display because it couldn't resolve issues on when members could access the golf course for set up and tear down.

The society said it was told set up must begin no earlier than Nov. 7, which wouldn't give enough time for its volunteers to inspect, assess and assemble the display.

However, a news release says the City of Calgary has now agreed to allow the Lions Festival of Lights Society early access to the course this year to install the 500,000-light display.

"We are very happy we will be able to install the Festival of Lights display this year," said society chair Otto Silzer, who has volunteered with the Festival of Lights since its inception.

"Thousands of families and children come out each year to see the display and walk around. It's a family tradition."

The early closure of the golf course for construction means the society and its hundreds of volunteers can access the course on Oct. 15.

The Christmas lights at Confederation Park in northwest Calgary draw thousands of spectators each year. (Rachel Ward/CBC)

The city and the society will work on a new formal agreement for future years that addresses access and other requirements, so the light display can continue for years to come.

Katie Black, acting general manager of community services at the city, is pleased the parties have agreed to work together to ensure the seasonal light display is installed, maintained and dismantled while addressing the safety and enjoyment of all.

"The city and Calgarians appreciate the work of the Lions Festival of Lights Society over the years to bring a fantastic seasonal display to life," said Black.

The holiday light display has been set up in the southeast corner of the Confederation Park Golf Course, near 14th Street and 24th Avenue N.W., for the past 32 years.

The display will be open Nov. 30 to Jan. 8.