The provincial government has announced funding for over 680 events across B.C., including some in the Oceanside region. The province said it will provide nearly $30 million through one-time grants made available via its Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund.
Three 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 ($25,000), Railway Day ($6,100) and Brant Wildlife Festival ($4,500), according to a media release from the BC NDP.
“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.”
A list of recipients by the provincial government also includes $5,480 in funding for Wine Walks Parksville Edition.
141 events across Vancouver Island were approved, according to the province.
Grant amounts for each event are as much as 20 per cent of the total event budget, for a maximum of $250,000, the release said.
Recipients demonstrated economic and social benefits to the community and strong local or regional support. Eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion, according to the province.
Applications for the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund grant were accepted from Aug. 27 to Oct. 1, 2021, for events that were scheduled between July 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022.
