PARKSVILLE – New Democrat MLAs Josie Osborne and Adam Walker say new support from the BC New Democrat government will help local fairs, festivals and community events resume in the Parksville-Qualicum area.

“Fairs and festivals are a great opportunity for everyone – tourists and locals alike – to enjoy our beautiful region and support our local businesses,” said Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “I’m so glad that these events will be safely bringing us together again next year.”

3 fairs, festivals, and events in the region will benefit from nearly $275,000 in recovery funding. Events and festivals receiving funding include the Coombs Fair, Railway Days, and Brant Wildlife Festival.

“Coombs is already such an incredible Island destination, and the Coombs Fair is one of many great reasons to visit,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “I’m happy to see that we’re able to support them and all the other recipients, and can’t wait to attend in-person soon.”

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