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Penticton News

Council's tour of Boonstock grounds eases concerns

Barb Haynes, third from left, takes council members on a tour of Boonstock grounds Wednesday.
Image Credit: Global News

PENTICTON - Progress on the Boonstock festival grounds this morning appears to be winning over skeptical Penticton City councillors who toured the property again this morning.

It still looks like barren land, but organizers assured they are on track for a safe and fun weekend Aug 1 to 3. Not all councillors were invited to walk through the privately-owned Penticton Indian Band lands a couple weeks ago, so a special tour was put together for them by organizer Barb Haynes.

“As many people as possible should be looking at the work they’ve done there," said Coun. Helena Konanz, who did not attend the first walk-through.

It might not look like things will be ready in time for the 8,500 or so concert attendees who will be flooding the gates in a month. But listening to Haynes explain the preparation process and planning that has already gone in to the event, it seems organizers are on track.

No information has been released about security and safety plans — a big concern stemming from the festival’s history near Edmonton, Alta. Organizers will only say they are working with RCMP and private security companies to make sure the event goes smoothly. Today Haynes told councillors there are strict enter and exit rules and rowdy behaviour won’t be tolerated during the event.

“The RCMP have really spent a lot of time working with Boonstock and bringing in extra RCMP officers,” Konanz said. “And it’s really important to Boonstock that they have good security.”

She said hearing more security details helped her concerns about security and safety.”

“Seeing it in person really made me feel a lot better about it,” said Coun. Helena Konanz.

With a month left until the event, organizers are still preparing the grounds, and installing necessary infrastructure, such as water, fencing and signage. The stages — three in the field, and one on the beach — will be built in the last week.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, Marshall Jones, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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