After Canada 150 celebrations, city 'protocol' spending hits seven-year high

City hall’s protocol office spent more than $250,000 on hosting official events last year, exceeding the amounts spent in each of the six previous years, partly because of the importance placed on Canada’s 150th birthday.
“The types of events hosted, rather than the number of events hosted, will impact the total cost,” protocol chief Cathy Bowles said in an email. “2017 marked the nation’s sesquicentennial year which resulted in some unique opportunities.&rdqu