B.C. is handing out money to several multicultural events on Coquitlam's calendar so organizers can begin planning for 2023.
Today (Nov. 10), the provincial government awarded a combined $48,190 to a trio of local festivals as part of its annual round of grants through its Tourism Events Program (TEP).
Coquitlam events receiving funds this year are as follows (in numerical order):
- $25,040 = Festival du Bois
- $13,150 = Annual Caribbean Days Festival
- $10,000 = ScotFestBC: International Festival
A news release states the money is set to be used to expand each festival's marketing and outreach in providing "supplemental" activities "that go beyond what has been planned and budgeted by event organizers."
"I'm thrilled to know this funding will support signature events....so people can enjoy coming together with friends and family," said Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Fin Donnelly in a separate statement.
"We're lucky to have events in our community that draw people from across B.C. and around the world, year after year."
Coquitlam's events are three of nearly 100 organizations that were granted funds from the province, which explained eligible recipients were able to ask for up to $250,000.
The TEP is said to support to a variety of tourism experiences ranging from arts and culture to internationally recognized sports competitions that aim to bolster awareness of B.C. as an "events destination" and increase benefits for communities.
Last year, thousands of local residents and visitors travelled to Coquitlam to attend Festival du Bois, Caribbean Days and ScotFestBC — all of which were able to host full in-person celebrations after a two-year pandemic hiatus.
As of this publication, Festival du Bois is the first event scheduled to take place in the new year, March 24 to 26.
