TAMRMS#: B06
title
Canada Day
Notice given by: Mayor Heron
label
BUDGET POSTPONED MOTION:
recommendation
That the Recreation & Parks operating budget for Canada Day Event in 2021 be temporarily reduced by $50,000.
body
Administration’s Understanding of the Intent of the Motion:
The proposed Recreation & Parks Canada Day budget would be reduced by $50,000 for 2021 to provide for the operation of a modified Canada Day event in alignment with Provincial guidelines/restrictions.
Operational or Organizational Impacts if Motion is Approved:
If passed, this motion would result in a modified offering of Canada Day celebrations for 2021. Staff resources dedicated to the offering of this event, will be in alignment with event scope and offerings.
Financial Implications of Motion:
The proposed Recreation & Parks operating budget for the Canada Day event would be reduced by $50,000 for 2021.
Stakeholder Consultations:
No stakeholder/public engagement has been undertaken for this service delivery modification.
Background:
The City of St. Albert Canada Day event is held on July 1 annually. The daytime event is hosted at Rotary Park, which typically receives approximately 10,000 people throughout the day. The Canada Day evening concert successfully hosts approximately 1,500 people at St. Albert Place and thousands who attend the fireworks display at Mission Park.
The total expenses budgeted for Canada Day is $110,000, however, there are typically $70,000 in sponsorships and grants that are put towards offsetting these expenses annually. These sponsorship revenue sources are not guaranteed, and therefore are not budgeted.
In 2020, a modified virtual Canada Day was hosted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was offered in collaboration between St. Albert and other regional partners and included greetings from the Mayors, concert series, online activity booklet and a regional Canada Day Facebook event. The online event reached 48,833 individuals.
In 2021, there is a low probability to that St. Albert will be able to host a typical Canada Day event due to current and future predicted provincial restrictions, including mass gathering limitations and physical distancing requirements.
There is uncertainty regarding what the COVID-19 restrictions and global climate will look like in July 2021 which will create some challenges in planning an in-person event. These unknowns include the following:
• Evolving and changing the provincial guidance for events.
• Potential challenges to secure event sponsors in the current economic climate.
• Unknown level of public readiness or interest in participating in a variety of formats of a potential Canada Day event.
Currently Administration is continuing discussions on virtual and regional event and program opportunities for Canada Day 2021. The proposed budget of $10,000 would support a modified Canada Day in alignment with current restrictions. The additional funding proposed through this motion would allow for an enhancement to the current plan assuming provincial restrictions are relaxed.
body
Report Date: December 1, 2020
Author: Daniele Podlubny
Department: Community Services
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble
body