Township to fund Music, Market & Park It
Clearview Township council has voted to earmark up to $10,000 for music entertainment at this year’s Music, Market and Park It (MMPI).
The Thursday evening farmers’ market at Station Park in Stayner is designated as a signature event in the township’s Parks, Recreation and Culture plan. The Clearview Chamber of Commerce had sponsored the music portion of the event in past years with substantial support from a grant program of TD Canada Trust. The bank withdrew that funding this year, leaving the Chamber unable to continue with the sponsorship.
Without the support of the Chamber of Commerce the June to August MMPI series was in jeopardy until the Stayner and District Kinsmen Club stepped up. When the club approached Clearview Township for funding, the request was forwarded to the Economic Development Committee.
Mayor Doug Measures, who chairs the Economic Development Action Committee, told council this is an appropriate use of the EDC’s reserve funds as their mandate is to support local businesses. As a tourism attraction that encourages increased visitor expenditures and overnight stays, MMPI is vitally important to the community.
Councillor Doug McKechnie objected to the fact that the request came before council on very short notice. He noted that the $10,000 request represents a 25 per cent increase from the music budget for the last event held two years ago, and wonders whether granting this request from the Kinsmen Club will open the floodgates for other groups seeking support. McKechnie also noted that there is already $5,000 in the township’s Parks, Recreation and Culture budget for the MMPI series.
Amanda Murray, community culture and tourism coordinator for the township clarified that $5,000 in the budget is to cover operational costs such as stage and signage rentals and special occasion permits, and is separate from the money requested to fund the music portion of the program.
