Victoria is throwing its weight behind bringing the Western Canadian Music Awards/BreakOut West to the city in 2015 — possibly in conjunction with the Rifflandia Music Festival.
Victoria councillors have agreed to allocate $25,000 toward the bid.
The province has confirmed $50,000 toward the bid and the Capital Regional District arts committee has agreed to commit $25,000 — both contingent on city support.
Victoria was invited to submit a bid for the awards known as BreakOut West after the Capital Region Music Awards Society made a strong showing to bring the Junos to Victoria last year.
Victoria had been a leading contender to host the Junos but eventually lost out to Winnipeg.
“They [WCMA] asked us to apply. It’s a rotating hosting event for all the western provinces and territories so it comes to B.C. every five years. They asked us to apply for 2015 and told other host cities they would like to come here if we’re so involved,” said Victoria Coun. Chris Coleman, a member of the Capital Region Music Awards Society that spearheaded Victoria’s bid to host the Junos.
Pam Madoff, vice-chairwoman of the CRD arts committee, said the WCMA are a good fit for Victoria.
“Although it might be seen as disappointing that the Juno Awards did not come here, I actually see in a way a greater local benefit from this,” Madoff said.
“It’s much more grassroots. It’s much more involved with local musicians, as well as all of the added benefits it brings in terms of people who come to the city. So although the Junos would have been a wonderful, big splashy event and Victoria would have been identified — just like Sochi is being identified — in that, we just saw a lot more local benefit,” she said.
While not on the scale of the Junos, the WCMA would have a significant local impact, including an estimated economic benefit of $1 million, CRMAS president Kyara Kahakauwila said.
It is estimated 250 to 300 delegates would attend and 400 to 500 hotel room nights would be booked.
Between 70 and 100 artists would perform at 15 to 20 venues.
Kahakauwila said in a letter to council there might be an opportunity to host the WCMAs in conjunction with the successful Rifflandia Music Festival. “Combining these two events will help ensure this opportunity becomes a truly special and memorable event for our city, region and province,” she said.
