Two Port Coquitlam festivals that drew thousands of revellers to the community this year had different bottom lines, final reports to a city committee show.
The May Day and Canada Day task forces will reveal their actual numbers to the healthy community committee next Wednesday, showing May Days cost taxpayers nearly $10,000 less than budgeted compared with the July 1 event, which had a $7,300 shortfall.
The 93rd annual May Days, held April 29 to May 8, came in at $48,700 for the parade, Royal Party activities, community events and city staff time; however, the expenses were offset by a $14,500 Heritage Canada grant. The festival drew some 17,000 people over the 10 days.
The Canada Day celebrations, by comparison, attracted about 9,000 people to Castle Park over the day that concluded with a fireworks show.
But despite bringing in $21,000 from the federal government as well as corporate sponsorship, the party charge came in at $56,300 for the pyrotechnics, stage and sound services, activities and entertainment, rentals and city staff on statutory pay.
The budget shortfall of $7,300 "was anticipated and is consistent with the trend over the past 10 years and is covered by redistribution of funds within the overall community and civic events budget," wrote PoCo program co-ordinator Sandra Battle, in her Sept. 27 report to the committee.
Still, Battle noted the Canada Day task force was pleased with the organization and turnout and is now working on the 2017 event to mark the country's 150th year.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
