National

B.C. increases event recovery fund to $30 million

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 13 Dec, 2021 02:09 PM

VANCOUVER - The British Columbia government has added more money to its grant program to fund fairs, festivals and other events in the province to help tourism recovery.

Melanie Mark, the minister of tourism, arts and culture, says COVID-19 and recent natural disasters have had devastating impacts on events and tourism, and expanding the program to nearly $30 million is a way to help communities safely resume activities.

Happy to announce $30 million to support over 680 events in 134 communities via #FairsFestivalsAndEventsGrant! TODAY is about the thousands of people behind these events who work tirelessly to lift us up, build community, create memories. #PaddleTogether https://t.co/o3R8DRT2X8 pic.twitter.com/LGpcYBirpa
— Melanie Mark (@melaniejmark) December 13, 2021

The government will give one-time grants to cover as much as 20 per cent of the event's budget, up to $250,000, for operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.

A task force was appointed by the government last year to identify what could be done to help the province's tourism industry recover.

In response to their calls to action, the ministry had announced a $12.9-million event fund in August, but Mark says they received so many applications for funding that the government will now more than double the fund.

Mark says this means the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund grant will now help cover costs for more than 680 events in 134 communities.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Have your say on B.C.’s permanent paid sick leave

British Columbians are invited to provide input into the development of made-in-B.C. permanent paid sick leave to support workers and protect workplaces.

Have your say on B.C.’s permanent paid sick leave

Vancouver Police identify a 40 year old as victim of its 11th homicide

Bailey was shot inside the London Hotel at around 5 a.m. on July 20. Two suspects fled the area prior to police arrival. VPD investigators believe the incident was targeted. The investigation is active and ongoing.

Vancouver Police identify a 40 year old as victim of its 11th homicide

Mandatory vaccination possible for federal workers

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is considering making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for some federally regulated workplaces such as airlines. It is the first time Trudeau has openly supported any form of compulsory vaccinations.

Mandatory vaccination possible for federal workers

Falkland, B.C., evacuated as wildfire threatens

The wildfire service says fire danger in the southern Interior is ranked high to extreme and strong winds forecast over the White Rock Lake fire have the potential to cause further flare-ups through the day.

Falkland, B.C., evacuated as wildfire threatens

Ottawa won't share details on Afghan refugees

Speaking to a virtual news conference today, Mendicino says the government is dealing with urgent and volatile circumstances in Afghanistan as the international coalition forces led by the United States continue to withdraw from the country and the Taliban gain ground.

Ottawa won't share details on Afghan refugees

Hajdu sends warning letter to Alberta counterpart

In the letter, addressed to Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro, Hajdu says she agrees with the Canadian Paediatric Society's description of the move as an "unnecessary and risky gamble."