Centre Wellington councillors are allowing exemptions to the township’s noise bylaw to allow longer hours for Riverfest Elora from Aug. 19 to 21.
On April 18, councillors reviewed a report from community services managing director Brian Detzler regarding the festival in Bissell Park.
Detzler recommended council authorize the Riverfest event with amplified music being performed live between 2pm and midnight on Aug. 19 and 20 and between 2 and 8pm on Aug. 21, subject to the following conditions for the organizers:
– ensuring the festival’s accounts payable to Centre Wellington are up to date; and
– planning and implementing requirements to ensure public safety as required by the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario, Ontario Provincial Police and the Centre Wellington Municipal Alcohol Policy.
In addition, Detzler recommended council approve the request received from Lot 18 Productions to apply for a Special Occasion Permit through the Alcohol Gaming Commission for Riverfest 2016, to be recognized by council as a significant municipal event in order to serve and sell alcohol during the event.
Detzler also recommended the event be exempt from the township noise bylaw for the duration of the event.
Detzler’s report notes “Lot 18 Productions is a local organization that holds an annual musical event which part of the proceeds are assigned to the Centre Wellington Community Foundation to support cultural facilities and events in Centre Wellington.
“The event organizers deliver this event while considering the ongoing activities at Bissell Park such as the farmers market and KIPP.”
Detzler noted staff work closely with event organizers to facilitate their requirements through a permitted special event booking at Bissell Park.
The annual Riverfest event has taken place for the past seven years. For the first two years the event was held at the Elora Centre for the Arts and since 2011 the event has been held at Bissell Park.
Lot 18 Productions is a local organization supported by approximately 150 volunteers for the annual festival, an all-ages musical event founded by Elora artist Marilyn Koop in 2009. Koop passed away in 2012 and the festival continues in her memory. Tickets are being sold in advance and at the event.
Councillor Don Fisher asked if there is anything special done by the township because of the tremendous number of people walking in front of the park.
“Do the organizers clean up or do we, as a township, offer assistance? Or, do we just hope for the best?” Fisher asked.
Detzler said to his knowledge there were no concerns raised in regard to debris on private property as a result of this event.
He said organizers do reach out to neighbours to discuss issues which may arise.
Mayor Kelly Linton said one thing he received complaints about was the length of time to get the park back in order. He said, “If that is something which could be discussed with them that would be great.”
Councillors had no issue providing the exemption.
