The City of Nanaimo is giving more than a quarter of a million dollars in grant money to various arts and culture groups in this year.
But some Councillors are raising concerns about how the money is divvied up. Some groups, like the VI Symphony got $90,000 while the African Heritage Society got just over $1,000.
Mayor Bill McKay says Council should have a little more faith the Cultural Committee & Heritage Commission’s recommendations.
That said, McKay adds he agrees going against the recommendations and deciding not to release grant money for Empire Days was the right move. Talks are now underway between City staff and the Empire Days Society, which could still get grant money if they agree to a name change.
