Dany Carpentier Backs Grand Prix Funding in Shift for Trois-Rivières Mayoral Race – Urgent Update
Trois-Rivières, QC – In a surprising turn of events, Dany Carpentier, a candidate for Mayor of Trois-Rivières, has announced his support for continued funding of the city’s renowned Grand Prix. This marks a significant reversal from his 2021 position, where he threatened to vote against the city budget specifically to oppose a $1.2 million grant to the racing event. This breaking news is already rippling through local political circles, and we’re bringing you the full story.
From Opposition to Advocate: What Changed?
Carpentier, who previously served as a city councilor for the La-Vérendrye district, explained his change of heart stems from the Grand Prix’s demonstrable commitment to sustainability. “I arrived in politics and initially saw the Grand Prix as simply a car race,” he stated. “Over time, the event has transformed its practices to significantly reduce its ecological footprint.”
He highlighted the event’s evolution into a “technological advanced pole showcase” focused on automotive innovation, including electric and hydrogen vehicles. This isn’t just about speed; it’s about the future of racing and its potential to drive green technology. Carpentier emphasized that his support doesn’t involve increasing the funding envelope, but rather upholding the existing budgetary commitment.
A New Approach to Event Funding in Trois-Rivières
The shift in Carpentier’s position also reflects a broader change in how Trois-Rivières approaches event funding. He pointed to the implementation of a new “major events program” in 2022, designed to distribute subsidies more equitably based on clear criteria: social benefits, economic impact, sustainable development, and innovation. This program, he believes, allows for continued development of events within existing budgetary constraints.
“We’ve seen in recent years that we can continue to develop with the same envelope,” Carpentier asserted. “Events are innovating to generate new revenue streams, and I believe we’ve reached a stable situation at the budgetary level.”
Key Support from City Councilor Cournoyer
The announcement received immediate support from City Councilor Daniel Cournoyer of the Sainte-Marthe district. “Dany is my candidate,” Cournoyer declared. “I’ve known him for almost eight years and have witnessed his growth. I’m very proud to officially support him. This event puts Trois-Rivières on the map.”
Cournoyer’s endorsement is particularly noteworthy, as he emphasized his preference for supporting individuals rather than political parties. “I don’t vote for a party; I vote for a person,” he said. “Dany is a down-to-earth guy, and I appreciate his evolution.”
The Bigger Picture: Event Funding and Local Economic Impact
This story isn’t just about a single candidate changing his mind. It’s a microcosm of the larger debate surrounding public funding for events. Across Canada, municipalities grapple with balancing the economic benefits of events – tourism revenue, job creation – with the need for fiscal responsibility and sustainable practices. The Trois-Rivières Grand Prix, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually, represents a significant economic driver for the region. However, ensuring that these events align with broader environmental goals is becoming increasingly crucial.
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The evolving stance of Dany Carpentier on the Grand Prix funding underscores a growing awareness of the need for events to demonstrate tangible benefits beyond entertainment value. As Trois-Rivières heads towards its mayoral election, this issue is sure to remain a central point of discussion, shaping the future of the city’s event strategy and its commitment to a sustainable future.
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