All events are not created equal, says the organizer of Squamish's biggest mountain bike race.
The District of Squamish is seeking to smooth out its processes for people looking to host events in town. The review comes after the municipality scrapped its $5-per-participant levy on organized activities that used district-owned property.
The district is examining implementing a Special Event Permit which includes a graduated fee schedule - $50 for fewer than 200 participants, $75 for 200 to 400, $100 for 401 to 700, $150 for up to 1,000 participants and $200 for events with more than 1,000. Registered charities would receive the permit for free.
The draft bylaw also requires a security deposit for any loss or damage resulting from the event - $50 for fewer than 100 participants, $200 for less than 500 participants and $500 for more than 500 participants.
While Test of Metal Inc. president Cliff Miller applauds the district's effort to streamline the process, he takes issue with the fee system. It doesn't account for whether events are small, locally organized occasions or huge events brought in by out-of-town groups, he wrote in a letter to council.
"There is no incentive to local community groups nor help from the district for community organizations to attempt to put on a special event that will put funds back into the community," Miller wrote.
Under the proposed bylaw, the four events organized by the Test of Metal Inc. would pay approximately $375, Miller noted. Music festival Live at Squamish and the road cycling race GranFondo, both organized by Lower Mainland groups, would pay $200.
As a result, 22.3 per cent of fees from Test of Metal events will go to the district, while only 2.85 per cent of the GranFondo fees would end up in municipal hands and 1.12 per cent of income from Live at Squamish.
"I realize they are trying to level the playing field, but it makes me wonder why we are doing this for the community," Miller told The Chief.
It's a slippery slope to start distinguishing which events are home-grown and those that aren't, Coun. Doug Race said at Squamish council's Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday (June 12).
"We want to encourage people to come here," he said, noting all events are economic draws for the community.
The proposed fees seem reasonable, but the security deposits are low, Coun. Patricia Heintzman said. She suggested municipal staff look at other incentives to ensure people clean up after themselves. Heintzman also asked that staff create a fast-track process for repeat events.
Mayor Rob Kirkham questioned whether a fee structure based on participant numbers would be difficult for people hosting parades or downtown events. It may be unrealistic for organizers to predict how many people will come out, he said.
Continuing on Kirkham's thought, Heintzman suggested district staff examine different fee schedules for ticketed and free events.
Council directed staff to meet with stakeholders. That information will be compiled and brought to council in October.
