Bob Mackin
A critic of Metro Vancouver is calling the regional government “beyond tone deaf” for spending another six figures on a display at the PNE Fair, which begins Aug. 16.
After the media preview tour of fair attractions, theBreaker.news noticed crews setting up the Metro Vancouver exhibit on Aug. 14.
Metro Vancouver confirmed that it is spending $450,000 on the exhibit during the 15-day fair, which runs through Labour Day.
“They’ve been spending tax dollars like it’s going out of style over the past number of years,” said Daniel Fontaine, a New Westminister city councillor. “For an organization that is facing, effectively, a financial crisis, given what’s happening at the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, spending over $400,000 on this type of promotion is just beyond tone deaf.”
Metro’s strategy
Jennifer Saltman, the senior media relations strategist, told theBreaker.news that Metro Vancouver’s spending at the PNE “covers materials, equipment, labour, staffing, performers and the sponsorship fee. The sponsorship fee, which is $98,000, includes promotion and use of the site where the activation is set up.”
Metro Vancouver claims the exhibit is more cost-effective than open houses and advertising campaigns in promoting the regional government’s waste reduction, water conservation and affordable housing programs.
“Metro Vancouver is not receiving free tickets or paying for tickets to concerts or on-site events,” Saltman said.
Why it matters
NDP Premier David Eby has refused to order a public inquiry into the sewage project.
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