Hundreds of thousands of people lined Vancouver’s shores Saturday as the Honda Celebration of Light lit up the skyline for the first of three shows.
But the event’s success hasn’t protected it from rising costs and shrinking government support.
Without committed, long-term funding, this year’s festival may be the last time we see this barge off English Bay Beach.
According to the festival, costs have jumped by 20 to 30 per cent since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve cut everything we can cut. We’ve looked at everything we can do. There just isn’t a way to make this cheaper unless we cut it entirely,” producer Paul Runnals told CityNews.
Two years ago, the event received $700,000 from the provincial and federal governments. Next year, it’s set to receive just $100,000.
Organizers say the festival brings in an average of almost $4 million per year in tax revenue for the province.
“So, to remove funding, and potentially risk the loss of the event, actually will cost the government more than just giving us the money in the first place, and that’s the thing we scratch our heads on some days,” Runnals explained.
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It’s the only public fireworks display in Vancouver, and the city says it has not reduced its contribution to police, traffic control, and cleanup.
“We are also facing our own pressures. Have affordability considerations, so we’re trying to keep property taxes reasonable for the residents of Vancouver, so we really do need that extra level of help, because we don’t have additional funding sitting around,” Vancouver Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung said.
But it’s not just government funding that’s being cut back. Corporate sponsors are also leaving the event.
“In a lot of cases, I think they’re holding on to their money because of the uncertainty that we’re seeing in the world,” Runnals said.
Organizers say that if nothing changes between now and next year, the Celebration of Light will go out for good.
