Finance and Labour Relations Committee

Committee Decision: THAT the presentation by Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford, be heard.

Committee Recommendation: THAT the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo./investStratford) Update dated September 25, 2023, be received for information.

Committee Decision: THAT the presentation by Zac Gribble, Executive Director of Destination Stratford, be heard.

Committee Recommendation: THAT the Destination Stratford 2023 Update dated September 25, 2023, be received for information; THAT the request for $150,000 for the 2023-2024 Lights On Stratford event be approved and funded from the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund; AND THAT the request for financial supports for the 2024-2028 Lights On Stratford events be included as part of the expansion initiatives during the annual budget process. Discussion continued regarding:  the festival being a valuable program but not being comfortable with the amount of funding requested;  the MAT initially being discussed as mitigation on the tax levy and not to support festivals;  repayment of Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans continuing to be a challenge;  the need to be cautious about removing money from the local economy in this off season;  the importance of having matching dollars from the municipality when applying for provincial or federal grants;  that the funding request is not for the purpose of expanding the program and strictly to allow the festival to continue; and  many other light festivals being free and admission fees being more common for events on private property. The Chair called the question on the motion.

Committee Decision: THAT the Finance and Labour Relations Committee meeting adjourn.