TAMRMS#: B06
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Servus Place Halloween Haunt
Notice given by: Mayor Heron
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BUDGET POSTPONED MOTION:
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That the operating budget be increased by $5000 to offer the Servus Place Halloween Haunt in 2021.
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Administration’s Understanding of the Intent of the Motion:
That $5000 of funding that was removed from the proposed 2021 Recreation & Parks operating budget specific to the Halloween Haunt be reinstated so the event can be offered in 2021.
Operational or Organizational Impacts if Motion is Approved:
• If the motion is approved, staff would offer the event in alignment with previous event provisions. The event could only be offered if COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, including physical distancing and limitations on gathering size.
• If COVID-19 restrictions remain, a modified version of the Halloween Haunt could be explored. In a modified situation, the number of participants that could be accommodated would be significantly less than the pre COVID-19 attendance however could still provide a fun event for the community.
• Coordination of the Halloween Haunt event involves staff commitments from several Recreation & Parks Department business units. With the COVID-19 modified operating model, current staff levels, particularly casual staff numbers have been reduced to be proportionate to the volume of users and operational needs.
Financial Implications of the Motion:
• $5000 of funding would be reincorporated to the Recreation & Parks operating budget. This funding would cover the direct costs incurred for the Halloween Haunt event, specific to additional temporary staff and program supplies.
• Revenues from day admissions revenue and sponsorship offset the direct event costs. A modified event would see less day admission revenue due to fewer participants.
Stakeholder Consultations:
No stakeholder consultations would be required.
Background:
The annual Halloween Haunt historically takes place in late October at Servus Credit Union Place with over 5,600 attendance. At the event, over 2,200 children and youth participate in a variety of activities including haunted houses, crafts, petting zoo, inflatables, carnival games, obstacle course, archery tag and story walk. Children participating in the events and activities utilize an existing membership or pay a day admission.
Halloween Haunt has become a community staple in St. Albert since its inaugural offering more than ten years ago. This event budget is $7,600 for direct costs. The expenses are offset by both sponsorships and admission revenue. The sponsorship revenue is not guaranteed, so is not budgeted.
This event was not held in 2020 and was also not included in the proposed 2021 Recreation & Parks budget, due to the current COVID-19 restrictions.
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Report Date: December 1, 2020
Author: Kelly McConnell, Senior Manager, Recreation Facilities
Department: Recreation & Parks Development
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble
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