LAKE COWICHAN – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley is announcing recipients of provincial funding to help make sure local fairs, festivals and other events continue throughout 2023 and 2024.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, our local festivals, fairs and events are key parts of thriving communities,” says Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “This is why our government is supporting events locally and throughout B.C. which support our economy and build connection.”
In the Cowichan Valley, 17 events are receiving a total of almost $723,400 in funding, including $250,000 for the Sunfest Country Music Festival, $93,200 for the BC Bike Race, $9400 for the Ladysmith Festival of Lights, and $9400 for the Vancouver Island Metis Rendezvous 2023.
This investment into local events is part of the $30 million in one-time grants the province pledged for Fairs, Festivals, and Events to continue the recovery of a vibrant and strong tourism industry and support our innovative arts industry in B.C.
This builds upon the success of the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events Program funding in 2021, which provided one-time grants for events to safely return after facing the covid-19 pandemic. These grants for 2023 will support a range of events in locations all over B.C., and associated event costs.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28246