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Holy Favouritism

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Doling out for the pope

Amount World Youth Day (WYD) will need to cover costs: $200 million

Amount WYD will receive in direct or in-kind funding from all three levels of government: $25 million

Additional money WYD says it will need from the city to cover costs: At least $7.3 million

Preliminary cost of extended TTC service to handle WYD crowds: $9 million

Cost in staffing and additional resources needed by the Customs and Revenue Agency and Immigration Canada to process WYD pilgrims: $5 million

Preliminary estimate of safety and security costs for the Pope: $3 million

Value of cash grants provided by the provincial and federal governments: $2 million

Value of the interest-free loan provided by city council: $1 million

City’s portion of $200,000 sculpture commemorating WYD: $50,000

PREMIUM PROMO

What city has given WYD to boost the event:

use of 10 TTC buses for WYD promotional wrapping

use of banner locations used by Olympic Bid Committee for the 2008 Games

free use of temporary office space at 951 Wilson Avenue (estimated value: $30,000)

free use of office furnishings and equipment for WYD offices on Yonge

free use of Exhibition Place grounds, including several buildings on the grounds, for WYD events

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Amount WYD is expected to pump into the local economy: $186 million

Amount Caribana brings to the local economy: $250 million

Amount Caribana received in government funding last year: $706,000

Amount the Church will make from 750,000 pilgrims paying a $240 registration fee for WYD events: $182 million

Amount the Church will make if each pilgrim buys a long-sleeved commemorative T-shirt: $26 million

With research by Martha LaiThe city has gone to great expense to roll out the red carpet for World Youth Day — and it’s costing us a mint. For all the hype, should cash-starved T.O. be subsidizing Vatican Inc.?

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