Politicians in the North Cariboo have cold feet when it comes to bringing another concert to Quesnel, at least as the budget stands right now.
The proposal before them last (Tuesday) night was to host “The Snotty Nosed Rez Kids” in early June with a budget, based on 60 dollar tickets, that would need 1,000 people to break even.
Several Councillors and northern CRD Directors felt that the ticket price was a little too high and asked about potential grants, partnerships with local First Nations, and donations.
Councillor Martin Runge also asked about renegotiating the band’s price.
“Is there any way that we are able to negotiating their 40 thousand dollar cost down or is that set in stone ? I just feel that the up front cost of their hotels, their flights, their food and just getting them there, putting it around 50 to 60 grand is just a little rich.”
Most at the table seemed to be in favour of hosting the concert if it was at the right price to lower the risk to the taxpayer.
That included John Massier, the CRD Director for Area C.
“On a positive note I think that it would be great to showcase a couple of local to the northern part of BC guys that have done well for themselves. Kitimat I think originally these guys are from and they’ve made a pretty good splash in hip hop. I think it would be great to support some northern BC entertainers if we can get behind this.”
Councillor Tony Goulet noted that concerts was a great way to promote the community.
“We had one concert and we didn’t make it but you never know it could sell out, it could be a thousand or more tickets if we encourage it from the Prince George-Williams Lake area and I think if people come and travel we may able to pull that off.”
Quesnel hosted the Reklaws back in 2023 and lost around 55-hundred dollars.
It should be noted though that liquor sales helped to offset costs back then and now a third party has taken that over at the West Fraser Centre.
Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg felt that it was an opportunity to bring something really different to Quesnel.
There was also a lot of concern however about the economic uncertainty in the country right now due to the threat of tariffs from south of the border.
Others, including CRD Area A Director Mary Sjostrom questioned if holding concerts should fall under sub regional recreation at all.
“I’m not so sure this group, sub regional rec, that’s why I too would like to defer it until we have a conversation as to where are we going to spend our money ? Everybody likes concerts and I apologize because I know that is something that a lot of people like to do, but for me the financial risk that we have currently, and with all our demands that we have, I am a little reluctant to that. I thought after the first event that we would try a little more for another group to take it on and not us. So I would like to have a further in-depth conversation about sub regional rec and what it means, where do we want to go, what’s our vision, what type of services do we want to provide ?”
Mayor Ron Paull said “I’m leaning now more to core or non discretionary spending as opposed to discretionary nice to have spending.”
Staff will now work on a new budget and the issue will be brought back to the committee’s next meeting on March 11th.
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