Qualicum Beach council directed staff to present at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting options for a new annual street festival, possibly featuring live music, street performances, and food, for the summer of 2020, possibly in partnership within the existing Legion fee for service agreement.
“I think that with the loss of Fire and Ice (Festival) and the need for a little more energy in downtown Qualicum Beach, I think this would be a great initiative that we can show the community that we’re moving forward and being creative on this council,” said Coun. Adam Walker at a May 13 regular meeting.
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Coun. Scott Harrison said he believes having more street festivals in Qualicum Beach is a good idea, however he wasn’t in support of using staff time to organize the event.
“I’m not sure if this is the best idea for two reasons; firstly, that the funds for this ultimately would have to come through community development… and this year with the amount of money being rather tight, I think that one consideration is the cost,” Harrison said. “Secondly by directing staff to do this as opposed to opening it up to the volunteers in the public there is also the cost of staff time.”
Coun. Walker added that the festival wouldn’t be until summer 2020, therefore it would use funds from next year’s budget.
“This isn’t saying that we’re going to do it, this is just saying that staff come up with a few options… let the public have their input and direct from there,” he said.