Steady funding for Explore Edmonton gives it stability, predictability: CEO

After Edmonton's council approved a 6.9 per cent tax increase, some are questioning if $11 million for Explore Edmonton was worth it.

Edmonton’s tourism and event-staging arm says it’s pleased city council has agreed to give it $11 million a year moving forward.

That translates to an extra half-a-per cent on a city homeowner’s property taxes next year. They are slated to increase by 6.9 per cent.

That deal for Explore Edmonton was just some of the new spending that city council approved this week during budget talks.

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Explore Edmonton runs the Edmonton Expo Centre and the Edmonton Convention Centre.

It puts on the annual summer K-Days exhibition, Farm Fair International and the Canadian Finals Rodeo and also works to attract major events while promoting local businesses.

Explore Edmonton declined our interview request today.

On Monday, Traci Bednard, its chief executive officer, told city council the extra $11 million a year will add stability and predictability to the organization.

“We have received funding, and we appreciate that, from the City of Edmonton annually, but it is always done only on an annual basis, and it is varied year to year, so we don’t have the opportunity to plan for the long term,” she said.

Knack said earlier this week Explore Edmonton brings $29 of economic return for every dollar it invests in it.

In 2024, the city contributed about $18 million of Explore Edmonton’s $90 million budget.