Sarnia's mayor is welcoming recommended changes to the city's festival and events policy.
Council is being asked Monday to approve a one-year pilot program that would subsidize 50 per cent of the fees for service for non-profits, community groups and organizations without a revenue source, and increase the major events assistance fund to $50,000.
Mayor Mike Bradley is pleased with the direction.
"Several months ago, because a number of inquiries and complaints received from festival organizers, that policy was reviewed that was put in place a couple of years ago," said Bradley. "The report back to council is very positive and looks to put more money into helping these festivals and also to reduce a lot of red tape that exists and that's a positive step forward."
Parks and Recreation Director Rob Harwood also recommended festivals and events that are not free to the public be considered individually, and staff be directed to develop a new policy for entertainment and events using indoor facilities.
It has been recommended that staff report back to council on the changes at the 2020 budget deliberations.
