Nanaimo: Funding cuts force VIEX rate hikes, threaten music festivals
A lack of funding from both government and the private sector has forced the Vancouver Island Exhibition to raise its rates for the first time in six years, says the fair’s treasurer.
Organizers of the Big Easy have cancelled this year’s event, which brought 3,000 people to the Wastelands on Dumont Road for the alternative music festival last September, for the same reason. This follows on the announcement the annual Summertime Blues Festival will not be held this summer.
Last week, Rich Coleman, B.C.’s Housing and Social Development Minister, said fairs and arts festivals will no longer be eligible for gaming grants.
Many of the fairs and festivals charge admission fees and should be able to operate without government subsidies, said Coleman.
VIEX treasurer Stephen Kass said the fair’s treasurer said the board that runs the annual fair uses the money it gets from the province to keep costs down for families.
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