Ken Mann
1/25/2013
Soaring policing costs are threatening the future viability of a range of local festivals and events.
That concern was heard around the City Council table, as Festival of Friends Executive Director Loren Lieberman presented his 2013 budget request on Friday.
Lieberman says they've paid 75 hundred dollars in policing costs following last year's event at the Ancaster Fairgrounds --- but still owe more than 25 thousand dollars.
He adds that those costs have increased "sevenfold" in recent years and is asking that police bill become "the city's domain" since it is "not a line item that is stable".
Flamborough's Judi Partridge says it's an issue for others as well, citing the Oh Canada Ribfest and The Santa Claus Parade in her ward. Maria Pearson says the same holds true for Stoney Creek's Santa Claus Parade and the Flag Day Festival.
City politicians have forwarded the issue to the grants committee as they try to find a resolution.
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