Greater Victoria MLAs say funding will support tourism and community events like Rifflandia, Pride, and TC10K
VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Grace Lore, Rob Fleming, Murray Rankin, and Lana Popham say that funding will help ensure local fairs, festivals and events can provide fun and excitement for residents and visitors alike.
“Victoria has so many fantastic local events, and with this years’ funding, there’s an event for everyone and every season,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill.
In Victoria, South Saanich, and Oak Bay, 79 events are receiving over $1.5 million in funding, including Riffliandia, Pride, the Highland Games, Victoria Marathon, TC10K, Elk Lake Triathlon, GreekFest, and the Saanich Strawberry Festival.
“Events like the Highland Games and Rifflandia are quintessential Victoria,” said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “When events like these can continue year after year with support from our government, it’s good for locals and visitors too.”
Across B.C., $15 million in funding will support 1114 fairs, festivals, and events in 2024 and 2025.
Since 2021, the BC New Democrat government has provided $80 million through the Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund, helping event organizers to overcome ongoing challenges and ensure fun experiences are available for residents and visitors around the province.
Find a full list of events funded at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/tourism-funding-programs/fairs-festivals-events-fund#recipients
Additional quotes:
“Events like the Victoria Marathon and Willows Beach concert series get people together in the outdoors. Whether it’s for fitness or just for fun, this funding will help events like these happen in our community and across B.C.” said Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
“Annual events like GreekFest, the Saanich Strawberry Festival, and the Elk Lake Triathlon bring people together to enjoy the natural landscape, trails, tastes, sounds, and sights in Saanich,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “We’re lucky to have another round of funding for these fantastic events to get the support that helps them to continue going and growing.”