As the Yukon Historical and Museums Association (YHMA) prepares to host its annual heritage fair in May, city council is considering providing $2,000 for the event.

The YHMA Yukon/Stikine Regional Heritage Fair is set for May 2 at Yukon College.

More than 100 students, teachers, parents and residents from around the territory are expected to attended.

“Participants have the opportunity to take part in heritage-related activities, present projects to judges and the public, and receive prizes for excellence and participation,” Mélodie Simard, the city’s manager of planning and sustainability, told council in a presentation Monday night.

Since 2011, the city has typically provided a grant for the event annually from the city’s heritage fund. It has ranged from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the year.

Funding was also provided in 2006 and 2007.

Noting the annual contribution, Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu asked later in the meeting whether it would be possible to have the fair listed as a line item that the city would contribute to – without it having to go through council approval.

Simard replied that it’s a possibility that could be looked at.

YHMA has budgeted $13,350 for this year’s event, with $10,000 coming from the territory’s Department of Education and $600 from sponsorships and donations.

The YHMA is covering $750 of the costs.

“YHMA is requesting that $2,000 (15 per cent of the total budget) be provided from the city’s heritage fund to help offset event and co-ordination costs,” Simard said.

The city would be recognized on the fair poster, ads and on the profile of the fair to be featured on the Canada’s History website as well as press releases, newsletters and the like, she added.

The fund is in place to assist with raising awareness of heritage issues or restoring, renovating or enhancing heritage properties or “other purposes as specified by council.”

“The goals of the 2019 Yukon/Stikine Regional Heritage Fair are consistent with the awareness component of the heritage fund objectives,” Simard noted.

“The annual fair is an opportunity for Yukon residents to learn and share ideas about the past, and helps to increase understanding of heritage topics within the Yukon community.”

Simard’s report also noted there’s approximately $43,700 in the city’s heritage fund right now.

Council will vote on the funding next week.