B.C. government announces $30 million to support fairs, events and festivals

The B.C. government announced $30 million in funds will be allocated to B.C.-based events in response to calls from the sector for more help.

“The past three years have been incredibly difficult for people in the tourism industry, including live events, and we know not every business has fully recovered,” said Lana Popham, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport.

“We know that these types of gatherings fill British Columbians’ hearts with joy. We also know that, in many cases, they support a greater economy right across the province.”

5:14 B.C. fairs, festivals and community events get a lifeline from the province

The one-time $30-million grant will be provided to eligible events in response to challenges the industry is facing, such as loss of staffing and volunteers, supply-chain issues, and a cautious return of audiences.

According to the province, grant amounts can be as much as 20 per cent of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000, however, depending on how many applications are filed, the ministry may be able to grant more than 20 per cent. Single organizations that hold multiple events will be capped at $500,000.

“The core of our work is to listen and respond to the priorities of people in B.C.,” said Bob D’Eith, parliamentary secretary for arts and film.

“We know events are integral to the spirit of our communities and economy.”

The grant is part of the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund, and will build off the success of the program, which was launched in 2021 to support the safe return of events earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible events include sporting events, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs and rodeos. Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.

The announcement was held at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), where officials have been vocal about pandemic recovery issues.

“The province has recognized the challenges and realities of our sector,” said Shelley Frost, PNE’s CEO.

“For communities across the province, fairs, festivals and events are a part of the social fabric. It is a place people and families come together to celebrate and make memories. This assistance will help ensure the PNE fair and other events thrive as we adjust to a new way of doing business.”

2:00 Concern over future of B.C. festivals

The PNE is just one of many festivals that have expressed concern over the post-pandemic recovery. The Vancouver Folk Festival was also cancelled this year due to financial struggles.

“There is now some hope for us and we are very thankful to the government,’ said Mark Zuberbuhler, Vancouver Folk Music Fest’s board president.

“This makes it possible for us — maybe we can now put on an event for 2023. It’s not the complete answer but it gives a lot of hope.

“It is very challenging to put on live events these days and with this kind of support, we can continue to have events that play such an important role in our community.”

In Merritt, B.C., the popular Rockin’ River Music Festival was cancelled as organizers said the event was met with “a series of economic obstacles.”

And most recently, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival officials said their event is up in the air after a big sponsor backed out.

The announcement also had a special performance by the 54-40’s Neil Osborne and his daughter Kandle.

2:14 Push to host more free public gatherings in Vancouver