Grey Cup parade costs still being calculated

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This article was published 25/11/2019 (1760 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeggers took to the streets Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ first Grey Cup win in 29 years, but it remains to be seen just how much the local celebration will cost.

Shortly before the championship parade got underway, Mayor Brian Bowman told reporters the financial details were still being ironed out.

“The costs will be calculated in due course. As you can imagine, this is something that’s being put together in a very compressed time frame,” Bowman said.

“I know we’re being very judicious in the related costs, but let’s keep in mind we haven’t had any costs for 29 years for a Grey Cup celebration.”

Bowman said the City of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Football Club have both committed to helping fund the celebrations. The city has been in dialogue with the province, but Bowman said funding commitments had not yet been secured.

A provincial spokesperson said neither the government nor Travel Manitoba had received any official requests to grant funding, but noted the province would be open to providing support.

While he wouldn’t give a ballpark estimate for the total cost, Bowman said it’s expected to be significantly less than what was spent on the Whiteout street parties during recent Winnipeg Jets’ playoff runs.

“I want to obviously congratulate our Winnipeg Blue Bombers for bringing home the cup. It’s the first time in 29 years, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with Winnipeggers,” the mayor said.

The celebration comes at a time when city hall is making difficult budget decisions during its first multi-year budget process.

Bowman said he recognized some citizens may be critical of funding a parade when the city is considering social service clawbacks, but added he felt it was important for the community to come together.

“Today is a day for celebration and for the community to come together and to pay tribute to an outstanding organization and players who were able to bring it home,” he said.

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe