The Vancouver Honda Celebration of Light, a beloved annual summer event, has been cancelled this year due to financial challenges. This decision has sparked concerns within the city’s hospitality industry, with the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association expressing disappointment over the loss of a major economic opportunity.
Ian Tostenson, president of BCRFSA, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that it typically draws around 1.5 million attendees over three nights, providing a significant boost to local businesses. He emphasized the impact on restaurants and bars, noting that the absence of such a long-standing tradition will have ripple effects on the city’s economy.
Mayor Ken Sim affirmed the city’s commitment to supporting events like the Celebration of Light but stressed the need for collaboration from other levels of government. He pointed out that while the city shoulders the costs of public safety for these events, it does not directly benefit from tax revenues, urging senior government officials to consider the broader economic benefits of supporting such cultural events.
Despite the cancellation of this year’s Celebration of Light, Mayor Sim expressed a desire to preserve the tradition and continue fostering vibrant community events in Vancouver.