Port Moody's centennial is still two years away but this week, city hall got a first glimpse of what's in store to celebrate a century in 2013.
The group charged with planning PoMo's year-long festivities, the Centennial Task Force, presented a host of celebration ideas - and their expected costs - before Tuesday's committee of the whole meeting.
First among them is an expanded New Year's Day Penguin Plunge featuring a band, heated tent and official centennial opening party to kick off Port Moody's 100th year. The proposed cost: $4,000.
And while it's important to note the events and expenses outlined in the task force's report are just preliminary, there was one idea floated by the task force that caused some immediate hand-wringing among city councillors.
That idea was to hold a spring centennial gala party at the recreation complex arena. Complete with a catered dinner, live music and dance floor, the task force put the city's bill for the one-night party at $36,000.
While it wasn't the most expensive item on the agenda, Coun. Mike Clay nonetheless took immediate issue with the event, saying it was out of step with the Port Moody he knows.
"My Port Moody doesn't have galas. In my Port Moody, we hang around the park," he said, adding that he would like to see more small-scale events such as barbecues throughout the year rather than large parties.
Councillors Karen Rockwell and Diana Dilworth also worried that such lavish spending would send the wrong message to the public at a time when the city has had to cut other costs and borrow money.
Coun. Bob Elliott, who chaired the Centennial Task Force, said the estimated cost of the centennial gala had already been cut dramatically from the group's initial estimate.
Other proposed events throughout the year include an expanded Heritage Week, including tours of areas led by actors in period dress, a May parade, a garage door mural festival, community block parties, fireworks and a $69,000 Aboriginal Day celebration on June 21.
After the presentation, the task force was officially disbanded; a steering committee will be formed in its place, with task force members getting first dibs on seats on the new committee.
