On March 5, Minto council agreed to start the process of developing an agreement with The Concert Factory Inc.
The agreement, if reached, would be for the use of the Harriston fairgrounds .
During the discussion itself, the bylaw to licence the municipal property to the promoter was passed with no discussion.
Economic development officer Belinda Wick-Graham said the municipality is happy with what has been drafted so far.
“We’ll still have to see if we get the event.”
Following the meeting, Mayor David Anderson explained that the unnamed promoter is planning a country and western concert – with a tentative date in early August.
Clerk Barbara Wilson stated that after March 28 more information will be available.
Anderson said there have been extensive legal discussions to create a contract with the promoter.
“We’ve spent a lot of time with our lawyer and feel all the angles are covered,” he added.
If the town’s conditions are not met by the March 28, Anderson said discussions would not continue.
Some of the stipulations include signed contracts with the performing artists, and discussions with the OPP, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission.
“Whatever happens, this is a community event.” He explained the intent is to benefit the community by having service clubs work together.
Anderson said the promoter has asked that he not be named in order to ensure a positive festival event. He added that the bylaw just passed is only to agree in principal to the venue – it is not a finalized agreement with the promoter.
Wilson added that before council agrees, “everything will need to be in place."
