Re: Disagreements unravel popular music festival (News, April 27)
The prospect of John Selkirk exiting the St. Ann’s August long weekend scene is good news for many. Last year’s festival was a total debacle for the many residential neighbours of St. Ann’s. Information on the event and its substantial impact on this densely populated neighbourhood was only made available two days prior to the event. No provision was made for street traffic control in event planning. Negative feedback from neighbours of surrounding properties with regard to the dawn-to-dusk disruption and cacophony of conflicting sounds from different stages was promised a response; none ever came.
The concept of a three-day event from this promoter at St. Ann’s is unconscionable. It provides further proof that he (and perhaps the Provincial Capital Commission when under his guidance) has no regard for the impact of such events on other stakeholders. Complaints have been registered for two years. Published attendance numbers for the past two years appear to be greatly exaggerated. Using the grounds of this esteemed heritage site for a family day of picnicking is a better solution and the appropriate way to celebrate the B.C. Day weekend on this property – well done PCC!
If a promoter of amplified music events is looking at a PCC property for dawn-to-dusk performances, they should get out of the densely populated and quiet-zoned residential neighbourhood where a bylaw exemption for exceeding allowed noise levels is required, and focus on another PCC property such as Ship Point on the harbour.
Bruce Gillespie
St. Ann’s Property Owners and Residents Group
