City could spend big on Canada Day

Belleville City council could spend much more than usual on Canada Day celebrations this year. Photo by, James Gaughan, QNet News

By James Gaughan   

BELLEVILLE – City council decided to delay voting on potentially spending $100,000 on Canada Day celebrations for the city earlier this week.

That amount is about twice what the city usually spends on the holiday.

Coun. Mitch Panciuk broke down the budget for the Canada Day committee.

“What they’re asking us for is the $25,000 we provided last year in cash, an extra $50,000 to go towards fireworks and a children’s activity stage, and about $25,000 in staff and resources that we provide normally.”

The committee is also looking at turning the celebration into a two-and-a-half day festival, Panciuk said.

Coun. Jack Miller explained the reason for the potential big jump in cost this year.

“The only reason that it’s as high this year is the Canada Day committee want a special 150th anniversary,” he said.

The potential extra cost for this year won’t impact the city’s budget, both Miller and Panciuk said, explaining that the city sets aside money for Canada Day each year and has money in a reserve account that will help cover the full cost.

“We can accommodate it in the budget by using some reserves and by making a commitment under this year’s grant amount,” Miller said.

City treasurer Brian Cousins says the city will need to spend reserve money or the budget will be severely affected for the year.

“The grant committee has a $187,000 budget, so if they approve $100,000 of it right now you’re only left with about $87,000,” Cousins said.

Both Miller and Panciuk said they hope the council will be able to vote on whether to approve the money for Canada Day at its next meeting.