More events in Vancouver and around the province could be cancelled or scaled back without urgent help and funding from the B.C. and federal governments.
Yesterday, we reported that major event organizers in the region signed an open letter to the province warning of a “looming crisis” facing the events scene, including FVDED In The Park, Bard on the Beach, and the Honda Celebration of Light.
The letter was urging B.C. Premier David Eby and the B.C. Minister of Tourism to renew the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund (BCFFE), or provide a replacement, among other recommendations.
Daily Hive has spoken to some notable leaders in the Vancouver events scene, including Paul Runnals, the Honda Celebration of Light executive producer, about the struggles and challenges in the events scene and potential solutions that could make the future brighter.
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While the Honda Celebration of Light is arguably the biggest event of the year for Vancouver residents, even for that spectacle, things aren’t necessarily a cakewalk regarding organizing and funding.
Runnals says it’s the province’s most significant event and “drives over $265 million in economic activity every year.”
“Unfortunately, provincial support has remained flat over the past ten years, and federal support has been inconsistent and unreliable,” Runnals said.
We also asked Runnals if events are getting more expensive to put on, and his answer was “Absolutely.”
“As with almost everything post-pandemic, we have seen cost escalations across the board, particularly with suppliers and labour. There are also significantly increased costs brought on by more stringent permit requirements and insurance, security and public safety.”
Runnals has been in his position for quite some time and has much experience in the Vancouver events scene. Some concerns he has heard from other event organizers include cumbersome and expensive permit requirements. He also said that sponsors are getting more selective.
“But the most pressing need is establishing secure, consistent funding sources for major events from the City and Province.”
Runnals believes events and entertainment are even more critical now than ever in “bringing people together and celebrating community and connectedness.”
“Seeing the Vancouver Mural Festival and the Vancouver Island Music Festival shut down recently was heartbreaking. You may recall that the Vancouver Folk Festival was only saved in 2023 when the Province stepped in with $250,000 from the B.C. Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund, but it’s unclear if that support fund will be renewed and at what level of investment.”
How much funding does the B.C. events scene need?
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We asked the B.C. Ministry of Tourism about the open letter. In response, a statement from the ministry reflected on the BCFFE, which was established in 2021 as a one-time grant.
“The province has provided nearly $80 million since 2021,” it said. Still, it added that given the “uncertainty in the current economic and fiscal context, all ministries are reviewing existing programs with a focus on ensuring public dollars are used to ensure programs remain relevant, are efficient, protect services and grow the economy.”
In the meantime, some organizers are already experiencing the worst-case scenario.
“Over a dozen events across the province have either cancelled or drastically reduced their programming in the past year alone,” Miriam Manley told Daily Hive.
Manley is the executive director of Live BC, one of the groups that supported the letter addressed to provincial leaders. There is a very real concern that more events are at risk. That includes long-standing community staples and newer events that Manley says were “unable to gain traction without financial stability.”
“Without continued and stabled funding, many of B.C.’s most beloved and high-profile events face an uncertain future.”
She also reflected on rising production costs, inflation and increasing operational demands. Manley points out that it’s not just the events at risk but “the economic activity, jobs and cultural connection they foster.”
“To ensure the sustainability of B.C.’s fairs, festivals and events sector, an annual investment of approximately $30 million is necessary. This level of support would allow events to plan multi-year programming, attract talent, and ensure affordable community access while adapting to inflation and rising operational costs.”
Last year, the BCFFE allocated $20 million. Manley says that while that provided essential short-term relief, the funding has since lapsed, “leaving many events facing immediate financial gaps.”
We wondered if other regions in Canada or the world were doing more to support their local events scene.
“Quebec stands out as a leader in arts and culture funding. Their provincial investment in arts, festivals and cultural programming is significantly more than B.C., supporting year-round events and creating long-term cultural sustainability,” Manley said.
She also pointed to Ontario and places like Australia and the UK, which have government-backed arts councils that provide “predictable, multi-year funding streams for local events, ensuring cultural vibrancy.”
“Now is the time to invest in B.C.’s local events and culture,” Manley added.
“In the face of economic pressures and global uncertainty, investing in local culture is one of the smartest ways to keep B.C. resilient and connected.”