Organizing society required to cover insurance for Vernon’s Canada Day celebration

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A report to council at the regular meeting Monday, June 10, stated the city has historically provided monetary and in-kind support for the event, noting a $12,000 tax-funded contribution was budgeted for the celebration this year and that city staff are prepared to work with the society.

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However, it was recommended by city staff that the VOICE Society provide their own insurance for the event this year, with the city named as an additional insurer.

Coun. Brian Guy inquired as to how much the insurance would be, but a specific figure was not available.

“I did run a numbers scenario going through our [accounting] software, but, not knowing the full details of the involvement of the society, I entered the information as best I could and it came up with a figure of just under $800,” Chris Ovens, Vernon’s General Manager of Public Works, told council.

“Disclaimer, that’s not going through their insurance provider or anything like that.”

Mayor Victor Cumming asked Ovens to work with the society, and to report back to council if the insurance cost “is outrageous.”

Council voted unanimously in favour of endorsing the Canada Day celebration and activities, as well as issuing a business license and events permit to the VOICE Society, though both the endorsement and the license and permit are subject to the society acquiring adequate liability insurance.

Following the meeting, Cumming reaffirmed that fireworks would not be included in this year’s celebrations, but it will still be a fun community event.

“We find fireworks is not a particularly good idea when there’s a fire risk, so no fireworks,” the mayor told Vernon Matters.

“But a great day, lots of things, I encourage people to look at the list [of activities], make sure they come down. There’s going to be good music, good things to do, it will be fun.”