It looks like Mattawa Voyageur Days days could be numbered after mounting losses the past few years and on November 28th citizens will be asked in a town hall meeting if they want the event to continue.
According to Director of Recreation Jacques Begin in a report to a one hour 40 minutes special meeting of council last night, the festival lost $65,000 this year and the deficit now tops $276,000.
"Unfortunately, these past 2 years sales did not cover expenses and created a significant financial loss. These 2 years sales were still rounded off at 4k and 3k however the costs of entertainment far exceeded these sale revenues. The cost of entertainment has skyrocketed as the Mattawa Voyageur Days entertainment concept has now been copied by a great number of other festivals," says Begin's report.
Next year looks to be a tough one also when Canada celebrates a special birthday.
The reports says, "The cost of entertainment will be through the roof in 2017. The US money exchange is extremely unfavorable so it would be tough getting an American headliner. Canadian bands will cost a premium dollar but also be at a premium to book. Those booking bands early…like now…may be fortunate in getting music this coming summer.
"The Committee does not expect large sales in 2017 even with a strong music line-up."
Voyageur Days has gone on every year for the past 19 and at one point sold out for seven consecutive years.
Former councillor Ernie Lamirante, who attended the meeting, told BayToday that taxpayers in Mattawa have had enough.
"One of the comments the mayor made last night that really upset me as a taxpayer is 'not to worry about the 270 thousand dollars', that they'll pick it up somewhere else. It's gone. How are they going to recoup this? The mayor doesn't seem to think it's a big issue. I as a taxpayer, and probably every other taxpayer in the community, when they find out how much this debt is, will ask how can they recoup it other than raising property taxes, which is not a good idea because the Town of Mattawa doesn't have any industrial tax base."
But Mayor Backer remains optimistic.
" Voyageur Days has been an economic engine the first 17 years bringing in much-needed dollars to our business community but more importantly selling our Town as a great place to live and invest! The past two years have been difficult with the prices of entertainment going up due to the decrease in the Canadian Dollar and it's been very competitive with other municipalities hosting music events and huge events like Orillia's Boots and Hearts, Ottawa's Blues fest.
" I'm confident we will be able to offset our loses without raising taxes and we still can move forward and plan to celebrate our 20th Anniversary without losing money."
