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

RICHMOND – New Democrat MLAs Kelly Greene, Henry Yao and Aman Singh say new support from the BC New Democrat government will help local fairs, festivals and community events resume in Richmond.

“Part of what makes Richmond a vibrant community are our arts, culture, sporting and community events,” said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “These grants will allow for event organizers to host us safely, so we can all get back to attending the community events we know and love.”

12 fairs, festivals, and events in Richmond will benefit from this recovery funding.

Some examples include:

  • 24th Annual Richmond Ice Classic Female Hockey Tournament
  • Steveston Salmon Festival
  • Richmond Garlic Fest
  • Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

“I’ve been hearing from people who are looking forward to having safe spaces to gather and connect as a community,” said Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre. “By supporting community event organizers, all members of the Richmond community will have access to their favourite arts, culture and sporting events.”

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.

“Arts, culture, sporting and community events have something to offer everyone,” said Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “I know that people in our community and across the province are excited to attend their favourite events and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

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.

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