‘Ottawa’ Transpo Bills More Special Events, Wants Money From Asian Fest
OC Transpo, hungry for revenue from special events, now wants an Asian food and culture festival to pay up.
The second annual Ottawa Asian Fest is June 17-19 at Lansdowne Park, and according to co-ordinator Simon Huang, the city’s transit agency wants the festival to pay up to $18,000 to cover enhanced bus service.
“When we heard that we were shocked,” Huang said Monday. “What we want from OC Transpo is to give us a break.”
Huang said the operating budget for the festival is only $65,000, so charging another $18,000 would be a huge burden. The festival operated at a loss last year, with the difference covered by the volunteer board of directors, Huang said.
Admission to the festival is free; there are no ticket holders to absorb a transit fee.
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