With Prince Rupert Homecoming 2015 just around the corner, the event’s organizing committee is scrambling to cover rental costs for its marquee event.
Thousands of past and present Rupertites are expected to attend the numerous activities making up Homecoming 2015 from May 14 to 18, with more than 1,000 people being expected to attend the Homecoming Gala Banquet and Dance on Saturday, May 17.
However, the price-tag of renting out space in the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre is much more than the Homecoming 2015 Committee anticipated.
The group was quoted a cost of $8,500 to rent the Russell Gamble Gymnasium on May 16 (to decorate) and 17, which includes a mandatory cost for the time of civic centre staff.
Organizing committee members Barb Gruber and Sandra Greer stood before council last week to request a reduction in fees or financial assistance.
“It’s just so much money for the one event and we’ve tried to keep the [costs down for those attending],” Gruber told council, adding tickets for the five-day event are only $100.
“We’re trying to make it feasible for everyone who wants to come.”
Gruber noted in the past the Homecoming Committee was able to return half the money provided to them by the city and said, if possible, the group would give back any remaining money once again.
Corinne Bomben, the city’s chief financial officer, informed councillors of $8,408 set aside for additional Community Enhancement Grant applications in 2015 and said some of it could be provided to the committee. Council will consider allocating the money at its next meeting.
Registration forms for Homecoming 2015 are available at the Special Events office under City Hall on Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Individuals from out of town can contact the committee at 250-624-8338 or prhomecoming2015@citywest.ca to register.
