The Southeastern Manitoba Festival is going strong this year despite a jump rental costs.

Jack Schellenberg, Treasurer of the Board, says due to the continuous growth at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School, they are forced to rent more time outside of school hours which is upping their costs. This year, the Hanover School Division has implemented a 20 dollar per hour fee for security at the SRSS for any rentals during after school hours. 

Schellenberg notes although they do have an understanding relationship with the Hanover School Division, this jump came as a little bit of a surprise.

"I would still say we have a positive relationship with them. We did mention to them that these fee adjustments were a little late and they were quite understanding. We don’t yet have the final numbers from them though."

Schellenberg says they are having to rent more time on the weekends which has brought up costs as well.

"This could be in the range of $2,000 or so, and while we don’t have our final figures yet, it will be significant but we understand it."

Schellenberg adds they use many other facilities throughout the community as well. He says they will continue to use the SRSS stage and they will keep looking at other possibilities for the future. Schellenberg says the Festival is going strong for yet another year.