Organizers of what’s likely the most successful one-day event in the 15-year history of the Parksville Community and Conference Centre have been told they are no longer welcome.
The What Women Want event in March sold 835 tickets and raised $4,000 for Haven House, a facility for women seeking safety and help. Event co-ordinator Donna Andres said she was surprised by the reaction she received when she tried to book the event for March of next year.
“I was told to cancel it and they won’t take my (deposit) cheque,” said Andres.
Including set-up time, What Women Want needs the facility for two days and last year paid $4,500 for use of the community centre. “I have never asked for a discount,” said Andres.
Coun. Kirk Oates, the city’s liaison to the society that operates the PCCC, said he was aware of the situation and brought it to staff’s attention but would not comment. City staff also would not comment. The NEWS learned the issue was scheduled to be discussed behind closed doors by city council last night after its regular meeting.
The PCCC is operated by a non-profit society under contract to the city, which provides the facility with hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in subsidies every year.
Last year’s What Women Want, a trade/entertainment show, had the PCCC abuzz.
“It was phenomenal,” said Andres. “Great promotion for the businesses and the ladies had a fantastic time. I really want (this year’s event) in Parksville — how can we make that happen?”
Not with the same amount of people as last year, said PCCC executive director Margaret Spruit.
“Our venue is no longer large enough for the people she had,” said Spruit. “It’s a safety issue. She is way over our capacity.”
Spruit agreed it was a good night for most who attended this year.
“It’s a great night out for the women but there were three anxiety attacks and one asthma attack because of how crowded it was,” she said.
The Parksville Volunteer Fire Department did not intervene during last year’s event. And getting a specific capacity number for the PCCC is difficult because it changes with the configuration of the show depending on how many tables, chairs, booths or stages are used.
“We have been in contact with both parties,” said PVFD deputy chief Marc Norris. “At the end of the day it’s up to the venue and the people who are renting the venue to sort it out.”
Spruit organized the 2014 version of What Women Want and said she sold about 600 tickets. She said this “is not a personal thing.” She also has a number in mind that could work for What Women Want.
“The way (Andres) has it configured, I would say 700 is the max, including vendors and entertainers,” said Spruit.
Andres said she could probably make the event a success for all involved by selling 800 tickets.
