Airdrie approves $200,000 for Festival of Lights tent replacement after two-hour debate

Airdrie City Council approved $200,000 in funding on September 15 to reimburse the Airdrie Festival of Lights Society for replacing an event tent at Nose Creek Park, ending a debate that stretched more than two hours.

The funds will come from the City's General Operating Reserve, with the city paying the supplier directly. Should both parties fail to reach agreement on a replacement by a set deadline, the city will assume ownership of the structure and keep the asset.

The motion passed with a majority vote. Councillor Simisola Obasan voted against it. Deputy Mayor Kristen Shima stepped out of the meeting and did not vote.

The lengthy debate revealed deep council concern about the late timing of the request. The festival is just 11 weeks away, and several councillors questioned why the society had waited until September. Councillors also worried that approving the amount could invite other non-profit organizations to approach council for similar support, particularly organizations whose previous requests had been rejected or withdrawn. "I appreciate that we have other organizations doing great things for kids, but the difference between those and this is that this event is 100 per cent free for the people that cross into the path of the park," Mayor Heather Spearman said, adding: "that's the hill I'll die on."

Spearman emphasized that the Festival of Lights is barrier-free and accessible to people regardless of income, and that it draws attendees from Calgary and surrounding communities, making it an economic driver for Airdrie. Councillor Chad Stewart backed the move, saying he was willing to answer to residents if concerns arose.

Some councillors flagged the need for more time to review paperwork and assess potential liability. Spearman raised a second option: renting a tent for approximately $60,000 per year. "I'm super frustrated as a council member that we don't have a choice because if we delay this even one meeting, we're already compromising the timeline of this tent," Spearman said.

Michelle Pirzek, representing the Festival of Lights Society, pushed back on comparisons to other organizations. She noted that AFOLS has contributed more than $1.76 million to the city in revenue as an organization and has operated for 31 years without baseline city funding. "I don't know that there are a lot of other organizations in Airdrie that can say the same thing; so do I think this sets you up to other organizations coming to you, absolutely," Pirzek said. "I'm sorry, but I also think that's kind of the reality of what non-profits in general are seeing when it comes to viability and going forward."

The Festival of Lights has been delivered by AFOLS since 1996.