Maple Ridge city councillors voted for a status quo Canada Day event on July 1 this year, rather than running an enhanced event later into the evening.
At a debate at their last council meeting on April 22, councillors voted against expanding the budget from $64,000 to $111,000 and running an enhanced event until 9 p.m., with more entertainment and activities.
Staff said the additional $47,000 required could come from a surplus. They also noted there is potential for grant money from Heritage Canada, and more revenue from a liquor licence – with 10 per cent of sales going to the city.
The status quo event schedule goes from noon to 5 p.m., and there are three stages with regional bands, food trucks, booths for about 100 vendors and groups, rock wall climbing, family games and inflatables, and a vintage car show. That will be the plan again this year.
Staff had presented two options, including one that went to 10 p.m. and included a $12,000, 12-minute fireworks show, at a total cost of $137,000 for the day.
Mayor Dan Ruimy said he wanted to keep people downtown to celebrate.
"'Why are we ending it at 5 o'clock?' I hear that comment all the time," noted Ruimy. "With what's going on in the world today, unity and strength is something that we should be celebrating."
Councillors didn't support either option for an expanded event, sticking with the $64,000 budget.
Coun. Sunny Schiller said she had already voted for bringing back an "Our Neck of the Woods" concert again this year, but is not able to get behind more funding for community events.
"I know that to put on really knockout events, it takes financial investment, there's just no way around it," she said.
"Unfortunately, fun costs money," echoed Coun. Jenny Tan. "It's a difficult time financially."
But she supported the investment.
"I think this is a good step of our overall long-term goals of building community pride, sense of place, and really cementing in our residents' minds, and our regions' minds, that Maple Ridge is a place we can spend our time..."
Coun. Judy Dueck said she was conflicted, noting that council is already being criticized for the $350,000 expenditure on the Our Neck of the Woods concert, and argued for status quo on Canada Day for this year.
Ultimately the proposal was defeated, with Tan and Ruimy voting for a new option.
