Hundreds of Oro-Medonte residents gathered again on Thursday night to express concern about some big outdoor festivals planned at Burl’s Creek Event park this summer.
The information session was similar to one held in February and there weren’t any representatives from council or Burl’s Creek in attendance.
Residents are worried about noise generated by thousands of people attending two major concerts, as well as the additional traffic and having their rural atmosphere spoiled.
“We are very upset, we live here because of the rural lifestyle. They say there are economic benefits but there isn’t. The entertainers come in on their jets, do their thing, take their millions and leave. The owners don’t even live in the area and they expect a whole bunch of volunteers to man the dirty jobs,” says Bruce Wiggins with ‘Save Oro’.
Residents say they will be in attendance when a zoning bylaw for Burl’s Creek comes before council to allow major events, like the Wayhome and Boots and Hearts festivals.
The Oro-Medonte Township says it will review the application and hold public meeting before any decisions are made.
In a statement on Friday, Burl's Creek Event Grounds V.P. of venue operations said "Burl’s Creek Event Grounds is continuing to work in tandem with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) to ensure all expectations are on target. We are meeting all agency and township requirements and needs, following all processes as per any other new owner or new business. The delay on the laneway construction will not impact the development of Burl’s Creek or the planned events taking place this summer.”
