Hundreds of people turned out Thursday night to share information and concerns over the changes coming to Burl’s Creek Event Grounds since it was taken over by new owners.
The event was held by a group called ‘Save Oro’ who are worried that the expansion and new developments of Burl’s Creek will be too large for the area and will disrupt the rural community.
All winter long construction crews have expanding the site for two large music and camping festivals that will be held this summer.
The festivals are expected to draw a combined 80,000 people to the region and that is not sitting well with people who live in the community.
“The original Burl’s Creek went from 70 acres now it’s 700 acres. We are looking at lines 7, 8 and 9 affected. We know what gridlock is like on cottage weekends,” says Ann Honeywood with ‘Save Oro.’
Ryan Howes, who is in charge of venue operations at Burl’s Creek, told CTV News they are working with traffic consultants, the Ministry of Transportation and Oro-Medonte Township to develop a traffic plan and new access roads to the event park are being built on Lines 7, 8 and 9.
Howes says the influx of people will not cause havoc on the roads in the area because most people come to the events through the week, camp and leave on Monday’s. He also says the park can safely accommodate and manage 40,000 people at one time.
Burl’s Creek has applied to the Township for temporary zoning by-law to also use the land it has acquired for its events this summer. The Township says it will review the application and hold meetings before any decision are made.
