Symphony of Fire

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: February 13, 2001
Author/Local: B. MacGregor/7627

RTS No. 1901

CC File No. 4206

Council: February 20, 2001

TO: Vancouver City Council

FROM: City Manager

SUBJECT: Symphony of Fire

CONSIDERATION

A) THAT Council deem a summer fireworks event similar to the Symphony of Fire to be a civic event, and cover direct City costs, on condition that private sponsors be secured to fund the rest of the event.

IF Council approves A, it is RECOMMENDED:

B) THAT a not-for-profit society be established to secure corporate sponsorship and organize the production of a summer fireworks event; and that the structure and composition of that Society be satisfactory to the Director of Legal Service and the City Manager.

C) THAT staff report back on the final details and cost estimates to provide city services for the event for inclusion in the 2001 operating budget.

The City Manager submits A for CONSIDERATION and if approved, RECOMMENDS approval of B and C.

POLICY

There is no applicable Council Policy.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to determine whether or not Council wishes to establish an annual fireworks display, similar to Symphony of Fire, as a civic event.

BACKGROUND

The Vancouver Symphony of Fire has been a very popular four-night summer attraction in this city since it began in 1990. Organized by the Vancouver Fireworks Society with corporate sponsorship from Benson & Hedges, it has been the largest annual event in the City of Vancouver and promoted as the largest offshore international fireworks competition in the world, enjoyed by 1.6 million people annually, without an admission charge.

Late last year, following unsuccessful attempts by industry to have the federal government reassess legislation which severely limits the extent to which manufacturers of tobacco products use sponsorships to advertise their wares, Benson & Hedges announced that it would no longer stage the Symphony of Fire events in three Canadian cities. Although the Society is attempting to secure a new corporate sponsor(s) for the event, this is not easy as costs run to approximately $1.5 million annually. In order to produce an event of this magnitude, a partnership between industry and the City is necessary.

Last year, Council agreed to absorb additional policing costs associated with the 2000 Symphony of Fire event, specifically costs for policing off site locations to deal with the extra crowds in the downtown. Those costs were approximately $136,000 in 2000.

DISCUSSION

The 2000 Symphony of Fire attracted more than 1.6 million viewers over the four-evening event. Tourism Vancouver's assessment of the economic benefits generated by the event include:

· $28.8 million in economic activity; including $13.6 million in visitor spending;
· $10 million to wages and salaries;
· $6.4 million in taxes to provincial and federal governments; and
· 460 jobs

In addition to its economic impacts, the Symphony of Fire has become a signature event for the City of Vancouver. Residents and visitors alike have come to regard this family-oriented event as a tangible symbol of Vancouver --- the cosmopolitan city by the sea, with a world-class spectacle in an equally spectacular natural setting. The loss of the event is significant in terms of economic and tourism impact. In addition, 1.6 million people will no longer have a free summer event.

If Council believe a summer fireworks event is important to the city and its residents, consideration could be given to establishing it as a civic event. This has been done in the past with the PNE parade, Sea Festival parade and Remembrance Day activities. This should beconsidered in he context of the economic impact and broad public support for this free admission event.

In the past when Council established civic events, the City covered the cost of city services. Should Council wish to establish a civic fireworks event, the cost if City services, based upon last year's costs, would be approximately $240,000 plus off-site police costs of approximately $136,000.

CONCLUSION

The annual fireworks event is significant in terms of economic benefit and general public appeal. Should Council wish to take a leadership role in ensuring its future, Council may wish to direct the City Manager meet with involved City staff, including Engineering (Special Events, Traffic, Sanitation and Electrical Operations), Police, Fire and the Park Board to review operational plans and determine an estimated cost for a 2001 civic event.

In addition, the City Manager is to determine, with interested parties, the establishment of a not-for-profit society to secure sponsorship and organize a 2001 event on the clear understanding that City costs will be limited to direct city services only.

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