A new year, a downsized party for Calgary
Posted Dec 17, 2019 9:11 am.
Last Updated Dec 17, 2019 11:56 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Belt-tightening at city hall means New Year’s Eve celebrations will be scaled back this year.
The city has reduced the budget for the annual festivities by $100,000.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he’s saddened by the decision.
“When we have these endless debates about nice-to-have versus must-have, we got to actually realize that a free downtown event that lets kids come in a family-friendly way downtown to celebrate is a good thing.”
The Mayor added having a safe place for families to celebrate makes for a vibrant community.
RELATED: Budget cuts may lead to a new look new year’s eve
It’s not a complete wash though as the bulk of the budget will be spent on something everyone loves — fireworks.
“We used to host a family dance party, that is actually moving over to the Central Library, the hours are changing from 12 to four,” said Teresa Byrne with Calgary Festivals and Events. “We are going to be reducing the activities on Olympic Plaza. There will be skating that will be extended until midnight. We’ll have some firepits thanks to Tim Horton’s.”
This could be the start of smaller city celebrations. Mayor Nenshi said the city already scaled back the budget for Canada Day events though he’s searching for other funding.
“There are tens of thousands of Calgarians out there and I think Calgarians will say ‘you know something, this is actually what I expect from my community, this is something I want.’ so we’re going to have to figure this out.”
Other new year’s events are happening throughout the city including activities at Studio Bell, Village Square and Southland Leisure Centre.
