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Charlottetown mayor allows folk festival plans to advance

Rob Oakie, who is partnering with Mitch Podolak and others in a company called Malpeque Folk Festival speaks to a public meeting in Charlottetown recently about plans to bring a folk festival to Victoria Park in 2014. TC Media - Nigel Armstrong

Rob Oakie, who is partnering with Mitch Podolak and others in a company called Malpeque Folk Festival speaks to a public meeting in Charlottetown recently about plans to bring a folk festival to Victoria Park in 2014.

Published on March 11, 2013
Published on March 11, 2013
Nigel Armstrong  RSS Feed
Topics :
Charlottetown City Council Monday.Mayor Clifford Lee , Charlottetown , Victoria Park

The 2014 folk festival proposed for Victoria Park moved a step closer at Charlottetown City Council Monday.

Mayor Clifford Lee broke a tie vote to send the issue to negotiations with the promoter, Malpeque Folk Festival Inc.

Lee emphasized that the festival is not being approved but conditions can now be negotiated so council can vote at some later date either to approve or reject the event with all its details.

Lee said after the meeting that such things as how many participants would be allowed, where the fencing would be located and even the date of the event are concerns.

"The first presentation was to have it during Old Home Week but I have concerns about that," said Lee.

The festival motion came to the council meeting from Coun. Stu MacFadyen as chair of the city's economic, development and culture committee.

No sooner had Roy Main, chief administrative officer, read the resolution than MacFadyen called question, a process of meetings inviting the end to debate. Lee accepted and the resolution went to a vote with not one word of open discussion on the issue.

Lee said after the meeting that no one on council indicated any desire to speak to the motion, but Coun. Mitchell Tweel showed frustration at the meeting for not having time to request questions.

"That was nothing but a railroad job," said an angry Tweel after the meeting. "There was more than one councillor surprised at the complete lack of debate here tonight."

Voting against the motion to proceed with negotiations were  coucillors Jason Coady, Rob Lantz, Mithchell Tweel, Danny Redmond and Edward Rice.

Supporting the motion were councillors Cecil Villard, Melissa Hilton, Stu MacFadyen, Terry Bernard and David MacDonald.

 

 

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Comments

  • Username
    Downtown Merchant
    - March 12, 2013 at 22:12:40

    mayor & council should have shut the door in the face of the promoter the day he first came knocking to propose this. It is absolutely not right. we've been down this path before and a lot of people have spent countless hours and days fighting against this type of intrusion on a sacred public space. this festival with 10s of thousands of attendees will be a disaster for the park ecology and make a mockery of the free and public nature of the park, and the rest and relaxation for which it was intended. I am not from brighton area or the west end of town near the park, but i feel sorry for those who are. even worse than the indignity of this event being forced on them , they seem to be attacked for jsut having a opinion on it.

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  • Username
    Preliminary stages
    - March 12, 2013 at 21:14:30

    People in Brighton are no more elite than anybody else,but they do have the right to speak up about a gathering of 10,000-15,000 on their doorstep,they pay taxes ,they contribute to the city. ..with all these people there is NO PARKING for vehicles on Brighton Rd but the side streets will be lined with cars not 1 ,not for 2 but for 3 days..........who would want or deserve that?..........If parking is controlled and screened in the residential areas.....you can bet Brighton residents would attend the concert, I know I would as well as my friends and neighbours.They just do not want the fiasco on Water St from the Summer festival,drunks,fights,defecating ,urinating,vomiting at all hours of the night,not including the property damage and thefts from vehicles every night.Can they guarantee that??One must remember it is at the early preliminary stages ..we have along way to go...............and a lot of issues to deal with before the dotted line is signed.

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    • Username
      keep victoria park free
      - March 13, 2013 at 03:37:12

      @ preliminary I live in the East Royalty part of the city so I could care less about Brighton but I do care deeply about Victoria Park. Having events in Victoria Park that charge admission is against the law!!!!! The park was granted to the people of Charlottetown with the caveat that no ''circus or other event for which admission is charged'' will take place. This folk festival had better not be charging, or I will walk right past their hired goon security and not blinking an eye. They will have zero right to arrest me or detain me for exercising my democratic right as a citizen of this city to walk in the public space of Victoria Park which is to be FREE for every single one of us. If Jack Frost can get kicked out of Victoria Park for charging admission, then so can this ''festival''.

  • Username
    keep victoria park free
    - March 12, 2013 at 20:33:24

    I have no problem with events taking place in Victoria Park at any time of the year, so long as those events abide by the park's founding charter -- which is that no fee for admission or charge should be levied on anyone who wants to enter the park. So if this folk festival goes on, I for one, will be down there entering the park of my own FREE will and will not pay ONE CENT and will enjoy the concert(s). I encourage all other citizens of this city to exercise this RIGHT as well. And it Clifford Lee and his henchmen on council try to stop us. then they will be very very very sorry.

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  • Username
    lizza
    - March 12, 2013 at 16:42:19

    Where are Cathy Hennessey and Kirsten Connor???

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    alvin
    - March 12, 2013 at 16:39:29

    The women, that out of their own pocket protested this kind of heavy handedness and went to court on behalf of us all a few years ago, must be wondering about the integrety of the Mayor and those who voted with him, -- as we all are. This is inappropriate behavior, and reflects negatively on them all. Are you people selling your soul?

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  • Username
    troy
    - March 12, 2013 at 16:35:28

    SICK OF CONCERT MENTALITY IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, --- WE HAVE BEEN LED DOWNT HE GARDEN PATH CONSTANTLY BY CITY AND PROVINCIAL POLITICIANS, WITH THEIR STUPID SPIN-OFF MESSAGE, - BUT EW NEVER SEE EVIDENCE, -OUR TAXES KEEP GOING UP IN SPITE OF ALL THE SPIN- OFF---- WHO IS GETTING ALL THIS SPIN-OFF CERTAINLY NOT BENEFITTING THE TAXPAYERS, AND AGAIN THIS VENTURE WILL BE ON THE TAXPAYERS' BACK AGAIN, --- THE NATURAL DISTRUCTION OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WADING THROUGH VICTORIA PARK AND THE CLEAN UP WILL END UP WITH US PAYING, ---- THIS IS ASIDE FROM THE WHOLE ROTTEN ATTITUDE THAT VICTORIA PARK IS TO DO WITH AS THEY SEE FIT AT CITY HALL, ---- HOW CAN WE REMIND THEM THAT THIS PARK IS ours, - ---- THIS IS A SHAMEFUL DISPLAY OF ARROGANCE, - USUALLY RESERVED FOR mR. GHIZ--- BACK OFF MR. LEE ----.

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  • Username
    walter
    - March 12, 2013 at 14:19:00

    Morally and environmentally this project is unsound, --- and when all is set and done it will be economically too,---- scrap it Clifford, it is not becoming you to force this through, - you and Stu look like a pair of 'hired' bullies.

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    donna
    - March 12, 2013 at 14:13:58

    Holy cats, --- where are the plan 'b'ers when you need them, - why are the ecologists not up in arms over this, - desecrating a natural beauty like Vicatoria Park???

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    Sick of concert mentality
    - March 12, 2013 at 13:40:16

    I am sick of the knee jerk concert mentality that prevails around here. Bring in a big concert and all kinds of tax dollars will flow into the economy. Yet nobody has yet produced any documentation or evidence to show that the benefits do outweigh the costs. Show me the numbers. In this case, the mayor has sent the city on a path that will be precedent setting (so why NOT have a mud wrestling or dirt bike festival next?) and could result in all kinds of damage to one of the most beautiful leisure areas of the city. Shame. Shame.

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  • Username
    rosy
    - March 12, 2013 at 12:57:00

    I have lost all respect for Clifford Lee and his henchmen. - Please show some respect for the taxpayers. ---- We just build a state of the art venue for concerts, and now it is not good enough, ---- . Victoria Park is not a 'venue', but a taxpayer owned and supported property, --- it IS off limits for City Council to play politics with in support of commercial ventures.

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  • Username
    martin
    - March 12, 2013 at 12:51:47

    I would like to commend the members of City Council who voted against the Mayor's schenanigans. It is shameful when the head of our City display this kind of behavour in procedures. His integrety can certainly be questioned on that issue alone. The Mayor is getting too long in the tooth in his position, and hopefully that will be reflected in the next election. Victoria Park should not be used for commercial ventures, it was not the intention, and that should be respected. To top it all off they are further eroding the purpose of this gift of land, and the support of taxpayers over generations, by allowing alcohol there. Absolutely abhorring,----

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    Jonas
    - March 12, 2013 at 12:38:44

    Hi, all you who voted with Clifford, --- please, reverse yourself, --- that vote was nothing you can be proud of, - you let yourself be railroaded, retrive your self respect and ask yourselves, who do you represent? The taxpayers or a the money makers?

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    oberst
    - March 12, 2013 at 12:34:19

    Where are the good people that will challenge this misuse of authority in court? I recall a few years ago a couple of gutsy ladies did just that, and it seemed that the Mayor a nd Council of the day were in tune with restoring and keeping Victoria Park for the purpose for which it was create. The act that created the park clearly states, that is to be kept for the people as a place for relaxation and enjoyment, without charge of any kind. There is to be no commercial endevours of any kind. It is clear that the Province should not have given stewardship to the City. Obviously the mental capacity in the City administration cannot be counted on to respect and adhere to the Act or its intend. It is a sad day when the Mayor and Council flaunt history and intentions of a basic Act, - and allow this kind of function. This maybe a time when concerned citizens pertition the Province to have the adminitration and everything related to Victoria Park returned to the Province. Vic toria Park was not given to the VCity folk, but indeed to the whole Province. It should have been assigned as a National Historic Site a long time ago. .

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  • Bill Kays
    Bill Kays
    - March 12, 2013 at 12:33:59

    What a show the village idiots are putting on, Clifford Lee in particular. I find it embarrassing to be represented by this mayor after all the time and energy that went into keeping VPark. WHO DIED AND APPOINTED LEE KING. After all, he alone did not get to make the decision, so he didn't ALLOW it as the Guardian states. He got to cast a vote, the deciding vote yes, but a single vote none the less. Let's not let LEE think he has more power than he really has. What about the other idiots?

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    ginger
    - March 12, 2013 at 11:10:01

    So for two people nobody ever heard of, - we are to give up VICTORIA PARK, - we are to have our City employees help co-ordinate this, - why do the taxpayers never have a say it what these councillors decide, -- by hook and by crook apparently, - (Stu and Clifford) this is abuse of power, to say the least. I am so disappointed by people like Cecil Villard, I thought he at least ahd better sense than being qparty to this scam of a process. I am also amazed that Hilton voted flor this, she seemed to have some sense and compassion for Victoria Park. I find it interesting that most of the people voting with the Mayor are from outside the old City, such the old Sherwood, and Lewis Point Park --- I would have hoped they had and the interest of the whole City at heart. I implore them to change their minds and vote against this ill conceived notion. PLEASE.

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    ingersol
    - March 12, 2013 at 11:02:43

    Did we not just have puyblic meetings regarding a long term plan for Victoria Park?? What gives, - before the final report of this plan the Mayor gives the park away?? Who is paying for the clean up, who is paying for the seedlings trambled, who is paying to clean up the pee in the bushes and the throw -up in the paths? I hope the Province will deny the liquior license for the park, - who ever heard of such a thing, this is a park for kids and young people, --- don't we already have enough trouble without putting selling alcohol in the park--- this ius dumbest idea ever, ---- would like to knowwho is really behind this, and who CLIFFORD IS REALLY catering to???.

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    Paul
    - March 12, 2013 at 10:55:59

    What gives, - the taxpayers is coughing up to make a new venue for concerts, - millions poured in, - the taxpayers pay for 'restoration' of Victoria Park, so it can be a natural public space with grass and woods for the general public to enjoy, the taxpayers have in their (City) employee a highly effective biologist to help care for and look after the trees and fauna in Victortia Park, the tapxayers is currently footing a bill for a major study for a plan for Victoria Park, ---- AND THEN THEY PULL THIS STUNT, --- havde you no understanding of your role and your responsibilties to taxpayers, Clouncil?? Melissa what's her name, was touting this plan as something wonderful, - and still vote to have the park trambled by thousands of people all at once. You owe it to the taxpayers to leave Victoria Park alone, ---- this is public space, not for 'rent', get your priorities straight, - or leave public office.

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    Chris
    - March 12, 2013 at 10:48:41

    Congratulations goes to Mayor Lee and the councillors that voted for this abomination, - they have apparently again succeeded on setting nebighbor against neighbors, - causing insults to private persons in some of these bloggs. If all Charlottetown residents do not use Victoria Park, it should not be blamed on the ones that do. I call on the Mayor to call off 'the dogs' and guard Victoria Park for the purpose it was created, - your integrety is at risk here Mr. Mayor, --- it is not wise to cater to the lowest common denominator.

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    elite of brighton do not share their park ever
    - March 12, 2013 at 10:04:17

    Victoria Park is really only for the elite of Brighton. Years ago a Baseball plan to use the park was shot down by the elite, headed by Fred Hyndman. The plan was scrapped and the event went to Summerside. Brighton claims Victoria Park as its own and commoners are allowed to walk their waterfront, sharing enough. The park is perfect for a folk festival but the elite will never allow it. funny eh?

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    jennifer
    - March 12, 2013 at 09:22:18

    The council members who voted against the concert...voted against the concert being held in the park. So the Mayor has now supported an alcohol driven event being held in our public park after building a brand new concert venue by the bridge. So how many millions has the province and the city wasted on this venue? Time for Lee and the old boys to go.....

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  • Username
    Please translate
    - March 12, 2013 at 08:53:55

    I don't understand the executive lingo. Is this article saying that Jason Coady, Rob Lantz, Mithchell Tweel, Danny Redmond and Edward Rice all voted against even consider having this folk festival?

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    John G
    - March 12, 2013 at 08:42:39

    How in the name of heaven can any councillors be against a folk festival? A festival that has every chance of being a success and would bring a laid back crowd to the city. As a resident of the city I help pay for the Park but haven't used it since I was a kid. Myself I can't see Catherine MacLellan or Rose Cousins type of music triggering any riots. It would just be a fun weekend. It's supposedly my park too.

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    Leave the park alone
    - March 12, 2013 at 08:12:23

    Leave the park alone. If someone wants to hold a festival and our concert space in the Cities east end isn't suitable - find another place. Victoria place is not a commercial venue! Allowing this event will creat a terrible precedent. Mayor Lee should be ashamed of not allowing a vote on this issue.

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  • Username
    vick
    - March 12, 2013 at 07:37:38

    YES this is good news! Its about time we start using that park again for such events! I used to love going to the shell that the park had to host events! Its time to change with the times and let the two or three people in BRIGHTON know that they dont own this park, its not their PRIVATE park its the city tax payers park! That whatever it is CADC built on Grafton st should be used to build an indoor bowl for indoor events like Hockey but victoria park should be used to build a outdoor bowl and host many different events Music, Baseball, water sports, tennis, cross country sking, tubing, the list goes on what this park could and should be used for, not to mention when the senior facility closes tear that down plant tree's and parking making the park that much bigger! Good job to those who voted in favor now keep the ball rolling and do what the MAJORITY want not what the MINORITY want!

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  • Username
    Multi-Purpose Event Grounds
    - March 12, 2013 at 06:39:49

    What about me? I may not have lots of trees but I am new and pricey.

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    One of the lowly Sheep
    - March 12, 2013 at 06:25:00

    Thought Victoria Park was supposed to be Free open space for the residents of the Province.? They build new Entertainment Grounds at the eastern end of Charlottetown just for this type of thing. What kind of Moron`s do we have running the city . Hopefully enough people will wake up and oppose this.

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  • Username
    Jstine Thyme
    - March 12, 2013 at 00:54:13

    Fantastic news! I plan on putting together a festival and would like to have it in the park also! Looking forward to having Potato Wresting in the Park. A healthy Island themed events, ideal for the whole family! If they ok a music concert in the park and have a concert ground elsewhere in the City, then they have to seriously look at all and every other event given to them.

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    intobed
    - March 11, 2013 at 23:52:51

    Rob Lantz, councillor in charge of planning, voted against it. That is enough for me to know that holding the festival in the park is a bad thing. Millions were spent on a concert site near the Hillsborough Bridge so the city could have events like these. There is no need for it to be in the park. Hold it at our concert site.

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  • Username
    Who exactly is who on this one?
    - March 11, 2013 at 23:06:02

    Is this the guy who is paid as "Executive Director" of Music PEI starting his own concert? ??? ???? looks like it will be a cinch getting Liberal money.

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  • Username
    sandi
    - March 11, 2013 at 22:43:57

    Why not, ---- let's just sell out, -- let's make noise, let's ruin the park, let's go for broke and get everybody drunk in the process, not limits on we can do to Victoria Park. - what became of the setiment of stopping the abuse of this park???

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  • Username
    harold
    - March 11, 2013 at 22:18:15

    So after all the years of citizens stading up for Victoria Park in rolls the circus with wagonsfull of booze, and Stu and Clifford oven up the welcome wagon.

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  • Username
    alfredd
    - March 11, 2013 at 22:05:15

    Congratulation to the city councillors who voted for preservation of Victoria Park, and shame on the gang that railroaded this issues through, - . The Mayor and Mr. MacFayden have lost all credibility with this kind of process. I can't wait for the next election, I will work in every way possible to discredit the those misfits that voted for this. To think that these individuals have so little respect for the Act that created this park way back, that they are eager to see 'circuses' place there, ruining the gains that has been made with the growing things there over the last few years. To think that the Mayor has so little respect for the 'crown jewel', - there was a lot of lip servide paid to keeping Victoria Park 'prestine'. Shame, shame, shame.

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