NDP MLAs say new recovery funding will help local fairs, festivals and events resume in Burnaby

BURNABY – New Democrat MLAs Janet Routledge, Katrina Chen, Anne Kang, and Raj Chouhan say new support from the BC New Democrat government will help local fairs, festivals and community events resume in Burnaby.

“Arts, culture, sporting and community events are vital to keeping us connected as a community,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “One of the ways we can build back better is by supporting events and gatherings throughout communities across the province.”

Nine fairs, festivals, and events in Burnaby will benefit from this recovery funding.

Some examples include:

  • Safe and Sound Festival
  • Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
  • West Coast Tap Festival
  • 24th Annual Richmond Ice Classic Female Hockey Tournament

“One of my favourite things about Burnaby is the way community members come together to support one another,” said Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed. “I’m proud of the resiliency of our arts, culture and sports organizations, and want them to know that our government supports their recovery.”

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.

QUOTES:

“All members of the Burnaby community have experienced challenges throughout the pandemic, including event organizers,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake. “Families, friends, and neighbours will soon be able to safely attend community events again thanks to Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery grants.”

“Arts, culture and sport organizations are valuable to the Burnaby community,” said Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. “I know that all British Columbians are ready to get back to safely attending community events like the ones in Burnaby.”

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/25941

To see the list of recipients for the Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Fund, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCFFE_Funded_Events.pdf