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Growing Worries Over Loss of Major Vernon Event and Its Economic Hit

A vibrant and ritualistic military spectacle

Vernon

, B.C., has met a fairly undignified conclusion.

Following 12 years, the event’s organizers for

Okanagan Military Tattoo

have decided to call it quits, attributing much of the responsibility to the city and its choice to increase rents at municipally owned venues such as Kal Tire Place, which hosted the event for numerous years.

“I am deeply disappointed,” stated Norm Crerar, who co-founded the event.

Crerar mentioned that organizing the event had become increasingly difficult due to the substantial increase in hotel accommodation costs and food prices.

He informed Global News that the rent hike was the final straw.

Crerar states that the rental cost has increased by over $10,000 in recent years and currently stands at more than $35,000 for a period of five days.

That was the final straw,” Crerar stated. “This was nearly an insult.

Crerar deemed it insulting since the event is organized by a nonprofit organization. With approximately 3,000 attendees drawn from across the region, coupled with roughly 500 performers participating, he pointed out that the city experienced significant benefits as a result.

It’s short-sighted,” Crerar said to Global News. “$2.5 million in economic activity was spurred in this region as a result of this.

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The Vernon Chamber of Commerce is likewise worried about this issue. They have dispatched a letter to the municipal authorities requesting prompt measures be taken, which should encompass an examination of the fees imposed on non-profit organizations using their facilities.

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The letter urged the city to “foster a culture that recognizes and supports the economic and social contributions of non-profits, rather than positioning them as a source to backfill City budget.”

In a statement to Global News, the city said, “Although the municipality recognizes the benefits that private events bring to the local area, it’s also crucial to strike a balance between the fees charged to event organizers and the subsidies provided via taxes.”

Crerar mentioned that the event won’t be coming back to Vernon, but noted that a team in Abbotsford has shown enthusiasm about hosting it there instead.

He stated that if this turns into reality, Vernon might lose out while Abbotsford could benefit from it.

In their correspondence to the city, the Chamber’s letter also highlighted worries regarding various events grappling with escalating rental expenses, such as Creative Chaos Western, noting that this event would experience its first-ever financial deficit after 50 years of operation because of a significant 30 percent hike in rent charges.

The report also referenced the ‘Vernon Farmers’ Market.’ As stated by the Chamber, the market experienced a loss of 30 percent of its vendors during the busiest months following a dramatic increase in fees by 300 percent.

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