Council backs film promo and Roxy funding

Crowsnest Pass council has approved a $15,000 contribution toward a regional film and tourism campaign proposed by Blue Squall Media.

The funding will be divided between two fiscal years and drawn from the municipality’s Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve.

Councillor Colleen MacDonald asked council to consider the request separately rather than receiving the company’s letter through the consent agenda.

MacDonald said the investment could provide significant promotional value and help leverage a six-figure provincial campaign.

Chief Administrative Officer Patrick Thomas said the project would provide additional marketing through a different medium than the municipality’s existing digital advertising.

Thomas said the municipality primarily targets potential visitors and new residents in outside markets, meaning local residents may not see much of its advertising.

He said the municipality previously generated millions of online impressions and thousands of visits to tourism information through targeted advertising.

Thomas recommended participating because the municipal contribution would help leverage approximately $111,000 in provincial funding.

Councillor Dean Ward moved that the municipality provide $15,000 over two years. Council approved the motion.

Council also agreed to provide a letter supporting Crowsnest CanDo’s application to the Building Community Strong Fund Global Impact Stream for the Revive the Roxy project.

The organization provided council with a draft letter for consideration.

Council approved providing the signed letter of support.