The fun is getting sucked out of summer in Port Moody.
Thursday, the city announced the cancellation of several events to save money.
They include the third annual community fair, scheduled for June 13, Canada Day celebrations at Rocky Point Park on July 1, and car-free day on August 23.
Also on Thursday, the Port Moody Rotary Club said it is cancelling its sixth annual RibFest scheduled for July 18 to 20.
Already cancelled was the 44th annual Golden Spike Festival on June 27 to July 1. The society that organizes that event, which celebrates Port Moody’s railway heritage and attracts about 40,000 people to Rocky Point Park for spike-driving competitions, a talent show, live entertainment, food and crafts.
The elimination of city-funded events from the summer calendar was part of an effort by Port Moody councillors to pare the city’s budget by 2.01%, lowering the proposed property tax increase for residents to 1.61%. The reduction includes a trim to the asset renewal levy to replace city infrastructure from 1% to .4%.
That means the average household in the city will pay about $35 more on their property taxes this year.
According to a city press release, other changes residents might notice because of cuts to the budget include fewer flowers in city gardens, as well as less maintenance of its boulevards.
The city also cut transfers of money to various operating reserve funds, as well as money set aside for councillors and senior staff ‘to respond to emerging corporate and organizational issues.”
