BC NDP MLAs say funding will help make events happen in Greater Victoria

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VICTORIA – BC New Democrat MLAs Diana Gibson, Lana Popham, and Nina Krieger say that a provincial grant will support upcoming local events, including the Royal Victoria Marathon, W’Hoop It Up, and the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival.

“Greater Victoria is home to amazing organizations putting on events every year, including free, family-friendly, and inclusive events for the whole region to enjoy,” said Diana Gibson, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. “This funding helps support these events as they bring celebration to Victoria this year.”

Local events are receiving funding from the provincial government’s Destination Events Program include:

  • IRONMAN 70.3 Victoria, 2027 – $43,000
  • 2027 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials – $18,000
  • Royal Victoria Marathon, 2026 – $100,000
  • Rifflandia Festival, 2026 – $90,000
  • Saturday Afternoons at the Opera, 2026-27 – $53,000
  • 2026 TD Victoria International JazzFest, 2026 – $52,000
  • Victoria’s 27th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival, 2026 – $48,000
  • Victoria Country Fest, 2027 – $43,000
  • Phillips Backyard Music Festival, 2026 – $39,000
  • 164th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival, 2026 – $22,000
  • Victoria Fringe Festival, 2026 – $22,000
  • Victoria at Dusk: Lights + Art + Discovery, 2027 – $18,000
  • BC CrabFest, 2026 – $18,000
  • Victoria International Wine Festival, 2026 – $17,000
  • W’Hoop It Up, 2026 – $17,000
  • TC10K, 2027 – $16,000
  • 2027 Super Sprint & Relay National Championships Victoria – $13,000
  • OUTstages Festival 2027 – $10,000

“Saanich offers great opportunity for events with access to the great outdoors right in our backyards,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “I’m looking forward to seeing these events return to Saanich again with this support.”

The BC New Democrat government is committed to supporting events that draw visitors into communities, contribute to local economies, and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

“Here in Greater Victoria we’re lucky to have wonderful events throughout the year for locals and visitors to enjoy, while supporting local businesses, artists, creators, and innovators,” said Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “This support will help with some of the costs these events take on to run each year.”