Seeking your input into expanded Sound of Music Festival
During the 2012 budget talks, the Burlington Sound of Music Festival asked for an additional $34,000 from the city, spread over two years, in part to expand programming by an extra day or weekend for the 2013 event. The funding request was turned down in the absence of a solid justification for the need.
I subsequently introduced a motion, passed by council March 19, to invite the Sound of Music Festival to work with city staff to develop a business case and public engagement plan for additional permanent funding for the festival resulting from any expansion of the festival programming, in time for 2013 budget deliberations.
My take: I will be working with the festival (I am the council representative on the Sound of Music board) and city staff to plan public engagement. I will also be working staff to discuss more public input into all the festivals and events in the downtown, to ensure community needs are respected while allowing for a strong festival and event program. Stay tuned for dates and details.
Your take: Do you support an expanded Sound of Music festival? What are your thoughts on the festivals, road races and events that currently take place downtown? Please comment below or email me at
