Title
KEMPENFEST CONSULTATION
1. That the Report to the Infrastructure and Community Investment Committee dated November 19, 2025 regarding the Kempenfest Consultation and the attached Appendix A concerning the Kempenfest Festival Review Final Report, be received for information purposes.
2. That future municipal support for larger-scale festivals and events such as Kempenfest, be administered through the creation of a granting program, as recommended in the Report Back - Culture Plan Update report for the creation of an In-Kind Tourism and Culture Event Grant to be proposed as part of the 2027 budget process.
3. That for 2026, City of Barrie support for Kempenfest be as follows:
a) Up to $5,000 of in-kind staff support for site services (ie. waste removal) to assist Kempenfest in 2026;
b) Cost recovery of up to $17,000 for shuttle bus service supplied by Barrie Transit to be funded from the Tourism Reserve; and
c) Up to $10,000 to support rental and equipment costs for the Family Side Stage to serve as a showcase for local talent and artist development, to be funded from the Tourism Reserve.
4. That the Kempenfest Board be requested to seek fundraising sponsorship to support the City’s fiscal contribution of up to $27,000 and should they be unsuccessful, that Kempenfest advise Council in writing prior to Council’s 2026 summer recess.
5. That the recommendations from Bannikin for the City related medium and long-term infrastructure and environmental sustainability support of events be considered as part of the future development of a Waterfront Festivals and Events Strategy. (P13/24)