Downtown Penticton Association needs more money from City to host civic events

PENTICTON – The Downtown Penticton Association says it needs more money from the City in order to maintain a number of annual civic events hosted by the group.

In a report going before council on Tuesday, March 5, the association’s board of directors broke down the annual cost it faces to deliver events like Canada Day, B.C. Day, the Rock the Sun concert series, Santa Parade and annual fireworks.

It spends a total of $141,155 on expenses related to the events, recouping $13,600 from the city for Canada Day, B.C. Day and Rock the Sun. The association also receives a $5,000 heritage grant for Canada Day and vendors fees totalling $11,000 for a revenue total of $29,600, leaving the 325 member organization on the hook for $111,555.

The board of directors say the events bolster economic development by creating a healthy and vibrant city that business owners and developers want to invest in. It also notes much of the association’s revenue is allocated to the civic free family events rather than being used for business improvements.

The board insists further contributions from the City come from a reallocation of existing budget funds rather than a tax increase, but they fail to say how much more they would like the city to pay, asking only for “a stronger financial partnership.”

“Over the past many years, the 325 downtown property owners have graciously sponsored the city’s free family events open to all Penticton residents and guests and would be happy to continue to do so if they had a larger financial contribution from the city. The breakdown attached demonstrates the cost to the association to host these events, and at this time, it doesn’t seem sustainable to continue without your support,” the board of directors wrote.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.