Port Moody council is beefing up Canada Day celebrations this year and pondering the addition of a new, one-day music festival later in the summer.
The city is providing $36,000 in funding for a headline act, roving entertainment and community public art for July 1 to enhance and complement the Golden Spike Days festivities that are set to run from the evening of June 30 through July 3.
What won't be on the July 1 menu is an evening of fireworks, which were slated to cost $34,000.
"I'm torn because $34,000 is a lot to spend on fireworks… but it is Canada Day and fireworks are awesome," said Coun. Rob Vagramov, who also suggested each of the Tri-Cities alternate hosting July 1 fireworks.
Coun. Diana Dilworth noted fireworks events are "incredibly successful here" and when they're not available in Port Moody, residents often go elsewhere to celebrate July 1.
Mayor Mike Clay suggested skipping a fireworks event this year since Coquitlam will be investing heavily in its show as part of the city's 125th anniversary celebrations.
Council held off on devoting $40,000 to the Inlet Music Festival, tentatively planned for Aug. 27, to see if there's room in the budget.
Festival promoters Corey Hawkins and Clyde Hill brought the idea to council last month, and hope to get financial support for the event that would run from noon to 10 p.m. and include country, rock, folk and possibly blues performers, as well as a beer garden.
