The issue of whether community events should be money makers was raised at council Monday evening.
For this year, council had budgeted the five community events operating on a combined deficit of $39,400, but according to a report by the city’s director of community services Wendy Rowland the city has only spent $31,400.
The five events include Winterfest, Uranium Heritage Days, Fun Run, Geology Tours and Parades.
The events, according to Rowland, provide, “quality of life activities, which encourage neighbourly interaction and community pride.”
“All in all the events are well attended… and we hope to continue,” she added.
“I was quite alarmed by how much money has been lost on events this year. It’s significant by comparison to last year, Councillor Tammy VanRoon said.
She said a greater financial breakdown of aspects of different events that take place during the year would help council determine whether to, “consider eliminating them or eliminating aspects of them.”
Mayor Dan Marchisella suggested city run events have to be based on providing “community wellbeing.”
“It’s great to be able to see all the age groups out enjoying events especially winterfest, he said.
Councillor Chris Patrie said council has to look at costs related to city run events.
“It’s imperative that we know what we are budgeting for,” Councillor Patrie said.
He suggested each event be looked at to determine where money is being lost.
“If we know we are going to lose substantial money we should be budgeting for that loss,”
Rowland said the money spent this year is under the $39,400 deficit budgeted to host community events by the city.
Councillor Ed Pearce agreed with the majority of council, calling for a more precise breakdown of costs associated with each event.
Councillor Connie Nykyforak said despite the costs in the report, council also has to consider benefits to business in the city based on people attending community events.
“I’m comfortable with the $31,000,” she said.
Council approved referring the report and its financial implications to its budget talks.