A reduced Maritime Festival proposed by Richmond city staff was nixed by council on Monday, adding to several other events and festivals already on the chopping block due to COVID-19 physical distancing measures.
While council doubled the farmers market budget to $20,000 to promote local food security, the total savings from cancelled events will come to $808,000 in 2020.
The World Festival, the Salmon Festival on Canada Day in Steveston and the Maritime Festival had the biggest budgets, totalling $700,000.
Farm Fest, budgeted at $40,000 is also being cancelled. Originally, staff proposed to move $10,000 from that budget to support farmers markets, but council decided to make that $20,000.
Coun. Harold Steves pointed out the Steveston Farmers Market has been cancelled, calling it a “serious loss”, especially considering other challenges farmers are having, for example, access to farm workers.
“If you can’t sell your crop, you have a real problem,” he said.
Staff have proposed a “Welcome Back Richmond” budget of $40,000, which would comprise small-scale events and a marketing campaign to let the public know when facilities are open and safe to use.
Earlier this year, the Cherry Blossom Festival was cancelled saving the city $35,000.
The events budget will be back for final approval at Monday’s council meeting.
