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Penticton News

Council keeps neutral stance about Boonstock

Councillors Katie Robinson and Helena Konanz.

PENTICTON - City Council remains neutral about endorsing Boonstock after a letter was sent by the Chamber of Commerce asking council to reconsider its decision.

The Chamber has been an enthusiastic supporter of the music festival and said it’s good business to get behind a new business operation of this size. Campbell Watt, Chamber president and author of the letter said an endorsement from the city would demonstrate “that Penticton is truly ‘open for business.’”

Council accepted the letter during the council meeting on Monday and decided to remain in its neutral stance.

“I think the situation is sort of the same as it was last council meeting, where I don’t think we’re really in a position to judge it one way or another,” said Coun. Wes Hopkin. “I do wish the organizers all the success but it’s literally out of our jurisdiction so we don’t need to take a position one way or the other on it.”

Coun. Helena Konanz spoke next, putting forth a motion to welcome the thousands of people coming to Penticton for Boonstock. Coun. Andrew Jakubeit questioned how that could be done and joked about greeting every person at the festival gates.

Coun. Katie Robinson, who has been outspoken about not supporting the festival, was quick to the point in her comment.

“To me, we’re getting beyond the pale here when we have to welcome people to our city. I think that would go without say,” she said. “If people want to come and visit Penticton, that’s great. But I don’t think we need to be passing motions on that.”

Despite her comments, the motion passed and now council has to find a way to welcome the nearly 8,000 Boonstock attendees that will be rolling into town on the August long weekend.

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

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