Bonnyville council has voted in favour of sponsoring the upcoming Cold Lake rodeo.
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The Lakeland Xtreme Broncs and Bulls is going ahead at the Cold Lake Energy Centre May 9 and 10.
“Being it’s for profit, not in town, I’m not as in favour of it,” said Coun. Byron Johnson.
Though the for-profit nature of the event was an issue, there were some positives that could come from the event.
“It does kind of fall under sport tourism in one way, although it isn’t being held here. (But) now we’re getting the majority of the lacrosse provincials happening here,” said Johnson.
The viability of hosting the rodeo in the future in Bonnyville could be an issue, as it would displace the yearly lacrosse players.
“I don’t know how well it would work in our facility with the tight quarter to go into the arena said Johnson.
The event being for-profit was a hold-up, however, Mayor Elisa Brosseau pointed to some benefits to the community as a reason to support it.
“I do agree, it is for-profit, but it does to your point work on tourism, and in the past we have supported for-profit events,” she said.
“This could be an opportunity for regional support and collaboration. It could be a good thing for us to support.”
Council approved the motion to sponsor the event for $1,000.
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