Mayor Matt Brown says it is unlikely the city will give any additional money to struggling Orchestra London.
The organization is asking taxpayers for $375,000 to stay alive. That money would be used to fund a voluntary bankruptcy, pay the musicians money owed for the month of December and pay back $100,000 owed to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Orchestra London says it has been operating with a $932,758 debt since June 30, 2014. The inability to secure a pledge donation of $350,000 has resulted in the cancellation of shows this past weekend and the desperate plea to the city.
"We're going to look at all options presented by staff very seriously, but I can't think of a circumstance where I would support giving more funding under this current business model," says Mayor Matt Brown. "It's important that we wait to hear the staff recommendations on Thursday."
Orchestra London already gets $500,000 per year from the city.
Brown tells BlackburnNews.com the numbers are concerning, and city staff have been asking for audited financial statements for months.
The formal request from the $375,000 will come before the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee on Thursday.
The musicians, who haven't been paid since last month, are planning a series of pop up concerts across the city.
