Unlike two local groups which walked away empty-handed earlier this month, the organizers of an upcoming sporting event are reaping city support.
City council approved $20,500 worth of assistance Monday night for the Canadian Native Fastball Championships, which will be hosted in Prince George July 28 to Aug. 1.
Tournament chair Harley Desjarlais and others came before council on Dec. 14 to make their pitch for support from the city, asking for in-kind support including garbage removal, washroom facilities, fencing and temporary bleachers.
After gathering more info from staff, council agreed with its recommendation to support the event financially from the Major Events reserve fund.
As a comparison, the World Baseball Challenge received a $10,000 subsidy from the city for its last outing in 2013. That money covered city-owned bleachers, picnic table rentals, garbage/recycling and hydro costs.
"The scope of the 2016 Canadian Native Fastball Championships is much larger in terms of number of teams, participants and city-owned recreation and sports fields involved," said a staff report.
"Therefore council may wish to consider a higher level of support for this event."
Two weeks ago, city council turned down requests for financial support from the Prince George Horse Society and the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association (which runs the B.C. Northern Exhibition). Both groups were asking for some measure of ongoing relief through utility fees, rent or loan forgiveness.
But city manager Kathleen Soltis said since the previous meeting, further discussions have been held and grant opportunities will be explored for the BCNE and other groups.
The city owns up to 18 portable aluminum bleachers that can be made available for large community events. The rental rate is $34.75 per day per bleacher and transport costs of $125 per bleacher (one way) includes the use of a Hiab loader unit. The 2016 sport field rental rate is $14.75 per hour.
A staff report laid out two options for council to choose from. A cheaper scenario of $16,500 would have covered the cost of ball diamond rental fees, field light/hydro costs, promotion of the event via Mr. PG, bleacher rentals and transport.
The $20,500 also covers the additional costs for non-city-owned equipment that would have to be contracted out, such as the extra garbage and recycling bins and portable toilets.
City and Tourism Prince George staff resources are also on offer for tasks ranging from putting together welcome packages to field maintenance.
Prince George last hosted the Canadian Native Fastball Championships in 1994 and the organizing committee's bid ultimately beat out Vernon for the right to host. Organizers are expecting between 50 and 80 teams and between 1,200 and 2,500 people (players, sponsors, families) over the August long weekend.
Teams will compete in four divisions: men's, masters (40-and-over), junior (21-and-under) and women's.
