Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Mark Higgins, promoter of Big Music Fest held in Kitchener the past two years and several other Ontario communities in the past, has received $270,000 of Ontario tax payer's money, this year alone, to help fund and promote the event citing the economic impact that the event will have on the community due to increased tourism. This year's event was reduced by a day when the Sunday was cancelled and the Saturday was very poorly attended. Therefore it is our opinion that any monies forwarded to Mr. Higgins and his organization by the Provincial, Municipal and Regional governments be pro-rated or refunded by Mr. Higgins' organization accordingly.
See recent op ed from The Record outlining this issue.
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Updates
September 11, 2015
I checked the inbox again and still absolutely nothing from the organizers which is just typical but honestly expected. People keep messaging me about the Sunday cancellation and the empty fields but we need to keep focusing on the actual money trail instead of just the bad music.
56 Comments
I've spent enough time working for not-for-profit arts organizations that I know how rigorous the conditions are for receiving grants of public money. I can't believe his application would have specified 'Saturday only' expenses. I'm sure this antic will be reflected in whatever grant monies he receives next year.
these events need to support themselves, if they want government funding I want to see the expense report and see what Mark Higgins paid himself.
My disappointment at the Sunday cancellation meant that people we invited from out-of-town decided to bypass the event so a "contract" between ON Government - based on the planned weekend - should be looked at closely in future years but the promoter should offer a refund of $ without the government asking.
Definitely some of the money should be refunded since with one day less there has to be a significant decrease in the economic impact to the community.
Horrible location/setup. Total waste of tax money: i) for an entire missing day ii) for headlining band Soundgarden to finish 7mins early...with the stage crew immediately throwing on the lights; for everyone to leave!
No grant money!!
I witnessed, first hand, Esteemedia's role in these events, and support Karen Andraza's comments 100%
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Mark Higgins, promoter of Big Music Fest held in Kitchener the past two years and several other Ontario communities in the past, has received $270,000 of Ontario tax payer's money, this year alone, to help fund and promote the event citing the economic impact that the event will have on the community due to increased tourism. This year's event was reduced by a day when the Sunday was cancelled and the Saturday was very poorly attended. Therefore it is our opinion that any monies forwarded to Mr. Higgins and his organization by the Provincial, Municipal and Regional governments be pro-rated or refunded by Mr. Higgins' organization accordingly.
See recent op ed from The Record outlining this issue.
Updates
September 11, 2015
I checked the inbox again and still absolutely nothing from the organizers which is just typical but honestly expected. People keep messaging me about the Sunday cancellation and the empty fields but we need to keep focusing on the actual money trail instead of just the bad music.
56 Comments
The last minute cancellation of Sunday's events alone should merit repayment of the grant. Not paying suppliers and contractors should resut in an automatic forfeiture of public money.
I've spent enough time working for not-for-profit arts organizations that I know how rigorous the conditions are for receiving grants of public money. I can't believe his application would have specified 'Saturday only' expenses. I'm sure this antic will be reflected in whatever grant monies he receives next year.
these events need to support themselves, if they want government funding I want to see the expense report and see what Mark Higgins paid himself.
My disappointment at the Sunday cancellation meant that people we invited from out-of-town decided to bypass the event so a "contract" between ON Government - based on the planned weekend - should be looked at closely in future years but the promoter should offer a refund of $ without the government asking.
Definitely some of the money should be refunded since with one day less there has to be a significant decrease in the economic impact to the community.
Horrible location/setup. Total waste of tax money: i) for an entire missing day ii) for headlining band Soundgarden to finish 7mins early...with the stage crew immediately throwing on the lights; for everyone to leave!
No grant money!!
I witnessed, first hand, Esteemedia's role in these events, and support Karen Andraza's comments 100%
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The last minute cancellation of Sunday's events alone should merit repayment of the grant. Not paying suppliers and contractors should resut in an automatic forfeiture of public money.