City balks at virtual July 1 gala until budget figures produced

Executive committee has decided not to approve any city money for this year’s virtual Canada Day celebrations until the organizing committee submits a budget detailing what its financial needs will be.

“I really can’t support something with such an open-ended budget,” said Ward 3 Coun. Andrew Stevens of administration’s recommendation to approve a grant up to $25,000 for this year’s event.

Regina has been invited to take part in a national virtual celebration lead by Canadian Heritage, which will provide an initial $25,000. In a report that went before executive committee this week, administration recommended approving funding that may be needed above and beyond Canadian Heritage’s money up to $25,000.

But with details still being worked out, the Regina Canada Day committee (RCDC) doesn’t yet know what the virtual event will entail and therefore how much it will cost — details city councillors want before making a decision.

“I know in the past we’ve given this amount and it’s been used to fund things like stage infrastructure and those kinds of things,” said Ward 2 Coun. Bob Hawkins. “None of those are present in this situation and to conduct a virtual event seems to me to be much less costly.”

The rest of the executive committee agreed and decided to refer the matter back to administration to prepare a supplementary report for city council. With more details expected next week from the organizing committee, administration will request a budget to be presented at council’s May 27 meeting and a decision on how much extra funding should be approved will be made then.

According to administration, expenses might include payment for artists doing virtual performances which are then featured as part of the national celebration. The RCDC had a virtual meeting with Canadian Heritage and other Canadian cities to talk about the national vision for the celebration this week. They were instructed to show their interest in participating via email by May 15.

While the committee isn’t sure exactly what Regina’s role will be, committee chair Brenda Mcintosh has said Canadian Heritage is planning to produce a morning, lunch and evening performance.