Parents of the Class of 2015 are asking Prince Rupert city council to allow them — and all future graduating classes — to rent the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre free of charge.
Michelle Montemuro made the request on behalf of the 2015 Grad Parents executive, noting a new policy on rental fees passed by council putting a larger than expected dent in the event's $30,000 budget.
"This year, the cost increase of renting the arena has seriously increased the need for more funding to cover these costs. The new City of Prince Rupert Fees and Charges Bylaw does not provide for not-for-profit organizations such as ours. There seems to be little negotiating room for a lower rate to meet our budgetary needs," she said, noting the current cost is double the contracted price for the 2014 celebration.
"We are considering a bill of $5,000 or $6,000 just to rent the facility to decorate, hold the facility and takedown ... we ask that you make a resolution or bylaw to waive all rental costs for the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre for the 2015 graduating class prom and all future graduating class proms. The resolution or bylaw would also note that the only fees being charged are for the hourly use of staff and the equipment necessary for setup and take down."
In making the presentation Montemuro noted other municipalities discount rental fees for not-for-profit groups by as much as 60 or 70 per cent. While the prom has been held in other venues in town, including the Highliner Plaza and the North Coast Convention Centre, Montemuro said the arena at the civic centre is the best fit for the approximately 150 graduates to celebrate their accomplishment.
"It's just the size of the facility and the way it is setup, plus the fact that we can bring in what we do need, whereas other facilities charge a larger cost for that or restrict our bringing in of food or beverages because they want us to use theirs because they are a private business and are looking to make money as well," she said.
"The prom is always theme-based. Because there is such a large grad class and each of those students can bring a guest, plus the parent volunteers, there could be upwards of 300 people in the facility ... it is not just the dance, there are gaming tables, there are mocktails, there's food being brought in."
Council did not discuss or vote on the idea, Coun. Barry Cunningham did note charging only for staff and equipment would result in a revenue-neutral situation for the city.