Timmins city council's decision this week to commit $3.5 million dollars towards an eight-day international fireworks and music festival next summer is still very much a contentious issue.
A big portion of the community is buzzing with anticipation of who the musical acts will be and the benefits to local hospitality businesses, while others are concerned at the risk of taxpayer funds, and the optics of what transpired at city hall last Monday.
"This is another example of bringing matters to council at the eleventh hour, no time for public input. Ridiculous, this didn't have to be decided that night, the Mayor and the promoter both stated that. This doesn't adhere to the Municipal Act and the city's own policies in regards to transparency and accountability," Councillor Rick Dubeau told TimminsToday.
The matter was only made public the afternoon of the meeting. It was voted on and approved that night, with only two Councillors having any opposition.
So the question is, how long did the members of council know this sizeable request was coming?
Councillor Andre Grzela said that all of council had known about the price range and scale of the event for awhile.
"We first discussed it in-camera over a month ago. I don't know why this past Monday was the first time we had public discussions. I can say that I do not bring an item to council before I have my ducks-in-a-row and I can only stipulate that Mayor Black and others involved could have had key information yet defined before the last meeting," he said.
Grzela also made reference that the $1 million dollar headlining musical acts that have been talked about this week might not have been at the top of the city's list.
"I would have to confirm by looking at my in-camera meeting minutes, but I believe since our first performer didn't work out, we had two in camera meetings," he said.
Councillor Noella Rinaldo said 'the calibre of artists define this event'.
"It was discussed in-camera, because possible conversations with artists was asked to council. We were asked based on the names of the artists, and the dollars, if it was a consideration to continue looking into running this size of festival,' she said, adding that 'everything is bundled together.'
Rinaldo could not say much more as to what transpired during the in-camera discussions.
"It has probably been two or three months from the initial ask, if council was interested in moving forward in conversations based on a variety of artists. All was confidential knowledge because of conversations with promoters concerning possible tours, and artist costs,” she said.
Grzela said he was unaware if the presentation made by Mayor Steve Black and Niagara Falls fireworks promoter David Whysall last Monday had any market research behind it. This was backed up by Rinaldo.
"No market research that I know of. We were presented with statistics and information about tickets sales, artists, costs, etcetera" she said.
"As far as I know, there was no fact checking of the Mayor's numbers" said Dubeau.
Fireworks explode over Hollinger Park on Canada Day 2016. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday Fireworks explode over Hollinger Park on Canada Day 2016. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday
On Friday it was announced that fireworks teams from Canada, China, France, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom have accepted invitations to the event. No musical performers have been confirmed yet, but Black and other organizers are counting on the lineup to draw huge crowds to the city to not only cover the city's $3.5 million dollar investment, but possibly make a profit.
Timmins isn't the only community who has made big plans with big name musical acts this year.
The Township of Seguin's council, near Parry Sound, announced in May they were bringing country music icon Dolly Parton to their community's fall fair this September.
On July 15, the town cancelled that concert due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
Advance tickets ranged from $100 for general admission to $500 dollars for a premium seat with a parking pass. Many residents said the show was cancelled because the prices were simply too high. The city stated that proceeds from the concert were going to the West Parry Sound Health Centre. The few tickets that were sold were refunded in full.
Black has said that people will be able to purchase tickets for $200, which will grant access to eight days of concerts in Hollinger Park leading up to the big finale on Canada Day, featuring the million-dollar headliner. Tickets for individual days will also be available.
Rinaldo is very much behind the ambitious initiative, and is comfortable with how the decision was approved.
"I should point out we can't vote in-camera. We gave direction to pursue the possibility. Once we were in a position to start negotiations of possibilities, and money needed to be committed, it had to come to a public meeting,” said Rinaldo.
The event will be taking place from June 24 to July 1, 2017.
