NORTH COWICHAN – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says new support from the BC New Democrat government will help local fairs, festivals and community events resume in Cowichan.

“Whether it’s bigger music festivals or smaller community fairs, the Cowichan Valley is full of arts and culture,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “These events bring tourists to our region and help strengthen our economy. I am excited to experience all that the Cowichan Valley has to offer in-person once again.”

More than 15 fairs, festivals, and events in the Cowichan Valley will benefit from over $650,000 in recovery funding, including the Craft Beer and Food Festival, the Ladysmith Festival of Lights, and Laketown Shakedown.

These fairs, festivals, and events are among the 680 events across the province supported by the BC New Democrat government’s investment. The government is providing nearly $30 million in one-time grants to eligible event organizers to support their efforts to resume safely. Grant amounts for each event are up to 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000.

Successful recipients demonstrated the economic and social benefits of their event, as well as strong local or regional support. Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the New Democrat government has worked closely with B.C.’s tourism sector and provided $225 million in support to ensure businesses and non-profits can continue to draw visitors and benefit local communities for years to come.

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B.C. fairs, festivals and events benefit from recovery funding