BRUCEDALE – The Dark Ages are coming to Guelph/Eramosa this summer.
A new event called the Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Tournament, which bills itself as a “family trip back in time,” will take place at the Everton Scout Camp on July 11 and 12.
Township clerk Amanda Knight presented a report on the event during the Feb. 18 regular meeting of council, explaining event organizers are seeking a liquor licence and asked the township to support their application to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) with a letter stating the event is “of municipal significance.”
“Because it’s a new event, we wanted to bring it before council first,” Knight said.
According to her report, the event is organized by Steel and Steed, a company that offers stunt development, fight choreography, wardrobe and prop rentals, stunt classes, live theatre and more.
The medieval festival will include a one-day fair on the Saturday that will include stunt demos, children’s shows, buskers, and educational birds of prey demo from the Eyrie Zoo, and a “living history village” with a blacksmith and period tents.
The Friday night prior will feature a 19+ pub night and concert.
“Steel and Steed have expressed that it is their desire to hold this fair long-term in the future, with the potential to expand hosting educational student days during weekdays to host schools,” the report stated.
Knight told council organizers are anticipating 1,000 to 2,000 guests will attend this year’s fair, but “this could grow over the years.”
She said there is a potential economic benefit to the township from the event, but also noted it will take place on private property.
“We would want to ensure they’re complying with all municipal bylaws,” Knight said, highlighting parking and noise.
Council members expressed concerns about traffic and noise, with councillor Mark Bouwmeester wondering whether Everton could accommodate as many as 2,000 guests.
“The last thing we want is a massive traffic jam,” he said.
“The event is being proposed to be held on private property,” Knight said, noting the township’s ability to intervene would be limited.
If the event generates complaints, the township could respond by denying the letter of support needed for the liquor licence next year, she said.
“I think it would be a challenge for them to hold this event without an alcohol permit,” Knight said.
Mayor Chris White said the fair “should be a nice, friendly, happy event,” but if it doesn’t go well the township won’t grant its support.
He also noted, “it’s absolutely critical that we inform the neighbours.”
Councillor Corey Woods wondered whether township staff would automatically issue a noise bylaw exemption for the event, and Knight answered in the negative.
“They’ll have to come and apply for that,” she said.
Ultimately council voted unanimously in favour of providing a letter to Steel and Steed designating the fair as an event of municipal significance.
“Please note that by having your event designated as municipally significant, you agree to assume all responsibility for compliance with regulations regarding special occasion permit’s and with other applicable legislation, including but not limited to the rules with respect to the fire and building codes, noise bylaws and parking regulations,” stated the draft letter.
