The federal government is giving Victoria close to a quarter-of-a-million dollars to throw a New Year's Eve party to kick off Canada's 150th anniversary year in style.
The $224-thousand dollar contribution comes from the government's Canada 150 Fund, designed to help communities celebrate the country's 150th anniversary.
The city says event planning has started for a family friendly and multicultural celebration in the Inner Harbour with a live stage show, food vendors, and a fireworks display. It will be held from five to nine o'clock the evening of December 31, of this year. The fireworks will be at nine o'clock, rather than midnight, because they'll be timed to match up with other cities across the country, and simulcasted over big screens with the intent of creating the feel of a coast-to-coast celebration.
Victoria is one of nineteen Canadian municipalities to be granted funding.