Kevin Anderson
editor@lapressecommunautaire.ca
KAPUSKASING – Kapuskasing council is looking over the proposed budget for this year’s Lumberjack Heritage Festival des bûcherons with an aim to vote on expenses for the annual summer event at its next regular meeting.
The proposed budget contains a slight increase in projected expenses from the actual cost of last year’s edition. The 2018 festival cost $80,187 to put on, while the 2019 edition expenses have been projected at $87,650.
While a number of minor increases are being proposed for other budget items, the bulk of the anticipated extra expenses are related to additional $4,000 dedicated to advertising and promotion for the event.
“Because it’s the 20th Anniversary, we really want to get as many people as possible out to the park to enjoy the weekend,” said Finance Chair, Councillor Martin Credger. “So, we’ve proposed to up the budget for advertising and promotion both locally and out of town with the hopes of drawing a bigger crowd.”
In 2018, the municipality had budgeted for just over $100,000 in expenses, however once all receipts had been tallied, the actual cost came in approximately 20 per cent under budget at a hair over $80,000 and posting a net loss of approximately $1,500.
Despite the slight deficit, Kapuskasing mayor David Plourde said he believes the festival remains an important event for the municipality.
“I think it’s important for we have the festival,” he commented. “It’s important for us as a community and a region to celebrate our way of life in the north and I believe the festival is a good way to do that.”
