Tourney organizers seek cash bump from city

If Prince George wants to bring the Pan-American volleyball cup to town next year, it'll need a $60,000 signature from the city.

The Prince George Youth Volleyball Club made the request Monday night, but councillors said they needed more information from staff before it could get behind that commitment.

The club, alongside Tourism Prince George and the Northern Sport Centre, have already submitted an expression of interest to Volleyball Canada that it host the U21 Men's Volleyball Pan-American Cup, but organizers said to submit a formal bid it'll need financial support.

The six-day competition has a $344,343 budget, and the club said the economic impact for the city would be $800,000, plus more than

$1 million in provincial revenue. The club predicts 800 spectators a day would watch the events and, at $25 a ticket, that would make the event $120,000.

Council heard there is enough in the major event reserve to fund the event - but it's almost depleted.

"We can't handle another event of this size this year," said Kathleen Soltis.

Jillian Merrick said the competition is analogous to the fastball championships, which staff said gets about $20,000 in city funding. Merrick stressed consistency and fairness in funding, before saying the city needs more information about how the funding would be used.

The key factor is using it to leverage matching funds, the presenters said. The plan before council also said the provincial and federal governments will each kick in $50,000.

Council also heard the University of Northern B.C. will offer discounts on accommodation and facility rentals as one of the event hosts.

"I'm keen on bringing these type of events to the city," said Mayor Lyn Hall, adding it's important to have partnerships like that.

"Prince George will benefit in many ways from this event, including the outstanding spectating opportunities of world class volleyball competition," the presentation said.

It won't be all about the men, though.

The group is planning extra events for local players and fans, including development for local coaches and officials, a youth tournament and a kids training camp hosted by the national team.

Staff will give its recommendation at the next council meeting in mid-October, around the time Volleyball Canada is expected to put the call out for proposals.