Halifax Regional Municipality has officially declined the request for funding regarding the Cold Water Classic. This outcome validates our concerns about the lack of local consultation and the misuse of public resources. I appreciate the commitment shown by those who questioned this proposal.
July 18, 2011
Final supporters
The request for funding is set to go through City Council on Tuesday May 24th 2011.
The local surfing community as well as the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia was not consulted by O'Neill prior to the decision of hosting the event in Halifax. The main concerns for opposing this event are: -Feasibility: the event requires 5 days of surf conditions over a 7 day window. It is statistically and logistically impossible to achieve. In 2008, the ASP sent judges along with O'Neill representatives to reach this conclusion. -Impact: the event is too high impact with too many professional surfers and their entourage showing up with little or no benefit to the local surfing community. -O'Neill was acquired by Logo International B.V. of the Netherlands, a multi million dollar corporation. Why should HRM taxpayers provide funding for an event which promotes their product? -Halifax as plan B? O'Neill has been shopping around this event to several other venues and last year's host city Tofino is not willing to provide the full funding requested by O'Neill. -During last year's event in Tofino, a professional surfer in the competition was arrested and charged with indecent exposure in front of children. It's no wonder they are considering moving the event to Halifax this year. While Nova Scotia is a great destination which offers great waves for local residents and travellers alike, this event will be first nail in the coffin of "Tourism Suicide" which has plagued so many other surf rich destinations. What makes Nova Scotia special is the ability to surf in relatively uncrowded waves. This event is not feasible nor sustainable and the funding would be much better spent protecting our beaches, coastlines and access to surf spots to harbour residents and visitors who want to continue to enjoy what surfing in Nova Scotia has been for the last 45 years.
Updates
June 6, 2011
The level of engagement regarding this competition highlights a genuine concern for our local coastline and taxpayer resources. This gathering of support confirms that our community demands transparency and meaningful consultation before such events receive public funding.
Reached 100 supporters
June 6, 2011
7 Comments
Why is the city handing out 200k to a big company? My taxes should go to roads or schools not some marketing stunt.
Ridiculous idea. The surf is never that consistent here anyway. Total waste of money.
Cant believe council is even considering this. fix the potholes first.
Keep our beaches for locals. We dont need a corporate circus taking over the waves.
Leave Lawrencetown alone. We dont want the crowds and the trash.
This should not cost tax paying citizens a dime.
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Halifax Regional Municipality has officially declined the request for funding regarding the Cold Water Classic. This outcome validates our concerns about the lack of local consultation and the misuse of public resources. I appreciate the commitment shown by those who questioned this proposal.
July 18, 2011
Final supporters
The request for funding is set to go through City Council on Tuesday May 24th 2011.
The local surfing community as well as the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia was not consulted by O'Neill prior to the decision of hosting the event in Halifax. The main concerns for opposing this event are: -Feasibility: the event requires 5 days of surf conditions over a 7 day window. It is statistically and logistically impossible to achieve. In 2008, the ASP sent judges along with O'Neill representatives to reach this conclusion. -Impact: the event is too high impact with too many professional surfers and their entourage showing up with little or no benefit to the local surfing community. -O'Neill was acquired by Logo International B.V. of the Netherlands, a multi million dollar corporation. Why should HRM taxpayers provide funding for an event which promotes their product? -Halifax as plan B? O'Neill has been shopping around this event to several other venues and last year's host city Tofino is not willing to provide the full funding requested by O'Neill. -During last year's event in Tofino, a professional surfer in the competition was arrested and charged with indecent exposure in front of children. It's no wonder they are considering moving the event to Halifax this year. While Nova Scotia is a great destination which offers great waves for local residents and travellers alike, this event will be first nail in the coffin of "Tourism Suicide" which has plagued so many other surf rich destinations. What makes Nova Scotia special is the ability to surf in relatively uncrowded waves. This event is not feasible nor sustainable and the funding would be much better spent protecting our beaches, coastlines and access to surf spots to harbour residents and visitors who want to continue to enjoy what surfing in Nova Scotia has been for the last 45 years.
Updates
June 6, 2011
The level of engagement regarding this competition highlights a genuine concern for our local coastline and taxpayer resources. This gathering of support confirms that our community demands transparency and meaningful consultation before such events receive public funding.
Reached 100 supporters
June 6, 2011
7 Comments
NEVER CONSULTED THE LOCAL SURFERS!!! classic corporate move. go away.
Why is the city handing out 200k to a big company? My taxes should go to roads or schools not some marketing stunt.
Ridiculous idea. The surf is never that consistent here anyway. Total waste of money.
Cant believe council is even considering this. fix the potholes first.
Keep our beaches for locals. We dont need a corporate circus taking over the waves.
Leave Lawrencetown alone. We dont want the crowds and the trash.
This should not cost tax paying citizens a dime.
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NEVER CONSULTED THE LOCAL SURFERS!!! classic corporate move. go away.