Re: Sterling observations (Mirror, Nov. 26)
While Mr. Campbell’s opinion is clearly based on his belief or view, it is regrettable that with some due diligence on his part he could have been provided with verifiable facts upon which to form his opinions. In Mr. Sterling’s view Vancouver Island North Film Commission (INFILM) is lacking in due diligence. The fact of the matter is INFILM provides due diligence through contract deliverables with all its financial supporters. Not only are our services and deliverables reviewed by Rivercorp but by all eight of our funding partners. Mr. Sterling inquires “why isn’t Comox Valley paying a share”. In fact INFILM has a five year funded service contract with the Comox Valley Regional District currently committed until 2019, as well as agreements with the City of Nanaimo through the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation, the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, the Town of Qualicum Beach, the Province of British Columbia through Creative BC and ongoing funded projects with the Nanaimo Regional District and the City of Port Alberni Economic Development office.
Finally, Mr. Sterling is “concerned that we are not getting full value for our tax commitment.” I offer the following facts enclosed in the 2013 annual report to Rivercorp: INFILM facilitated 98 location requests in 2013; 20 of those productions received packages featuring the Campbell River Region; 10 of those productions were based out of Campbell River; $556,000 in local economic impact for 2013; $55,348,060 total accumulated economic impact to Campbell River up to and including 2013.
Stephanie Tipple,
President, INFILM