Canmore’s elected officials voted Tuesday night (Oct. 22) to extend a helping hand to two very different events being held in the community over the next month.
Council voted to provide $1,500 to the annual Halloween parade being held this Sunday (Oct. 26) and waive $6,880 facility rental fees to book the entire Elevation Place for Canmore Business and Tourism to host Canada’s West Marketplace.
Parade organizer Annie Seguin requested financial help for the event’s seventh year due to its growth and popularity in the community.
“The event’s growth has resulted in an increase in operating fund requirements,” stated a staff report to council. “A contribution of $1,500 from the Town of Canmore to the 2014 Canmore Halloween parade would ensure that volunteer producer Annie Seguin would meet the expenses of event delivery without being personally out-of-pocket.”
However, council was quick to say the $1,500 subsidy is a one-time only thing and directed administration to work with organizers to establish a sustainable funding model for the future.
Councillor Sean Krausert said he is comfortable helping out this year, but didn’t think ongoing funding of the event in subsequent years would go over well with council.
As for the rental of Elevation Place by CBT, Coun. Ed Russell was the only voice of dissent on council for closing the facility to the public on the night of Nov. 17.
Elevation Place has never been rented entirely for an event, and Russell said closing it would be a disservice to members who have paid for using the facility.
Administration estimated the rental fee would be $6,880 and the rest of council strongly supported the economic benefit to the community from hosting the major Western Canadian tourism conference.
“I attended Canada’s West Marketplace and it is an outstanding event,” Coun. Joanna McCallum said. “It is a huge networking possibility; it is the showcase for all cool tourism things in Western Canada and I am very excited to see it come to Canmore.”
CBT estimates direct visitor spend from the event of $1 million and 2,000 hotel night stays. With 600 people attending the trade show and 130 of which are registered buyers and effectively control what Canadian product is featured in travel brochures around the world, CBT president Andrew Nickerson said it is a great opportunity to showcase Canmore.
The opening reception is scheduled for 7-9:30 p.m. and has a budget of $15,000 to $20,000.
