After the organizer behind Vancouver’s Car Free Days declared it would not proceed with its festivals this year, a pair of councillors have introduced a motion to partially fund the events.
Coun. Lucy Maloney and Sean Orr say their motion would provide $30,000 to the festivals’ organizer.
In an interview with 1130 NewsRadio, she says that it is heartbreaking to hear that the festivals were cancelled, which organizers say was partially due to rising operational costs.
“It is very difficult, if we keep losing these, to keep what makes Vancouver special and worth visiting,” she said.
The decision by the Vancouver Car Free Society means that the festivals on Main Street, Denman Street, and Commercial Drive will not be happening this year.
However, the organization notes that it is working on solutions.
“We’re sad to not be with you this year and will keep you informed as things develop over time. Because we’re scrappy, this is not goodbye but simply see ya later,” the society said in a written statement.
Maloney hopes that their motion will be passed by the Vancouver City Council, considering that the proposed money is not even enough to fully fund all the festivals.
“Given that the mayor and the ABC majority on council were recently able to find $2,000,000 for fireworks, I think that finding $30,000 should not be too much of a problem,” she added.
“I don’t see any issue with us raising that under new business and asking for the rest of the council to do what really should be done to make sure we preserve a really iconic set of events for Vancouver’s summer celebrations.”
The motion is set to be discussed on Tuesday evening.