Some of the biggest names in music may be Kitchener-bound this summer – but some of those who live near the site of Big Music Fest aren’t necessarily happy about it.
The festival – which has previously been held in Belleville, Bobcaygeon, Wiarton and Owen Sound – was announced Thursday as coming to McLennan Park in Kitchener.
It’s an unusual choice of venue. Although city officials have long hoped the former Mount Trashmore would be able to host community events, Big Music Fest is one of the first such events to take place.
Craig Smith, who lives near the park, says he can hear skateboarders at McLennan Park’s skate park from his home.
“I can only imagine the noise level from a rock concert,” he says.
In addition to noise, Smith says he’s concerned about alcohol and possible drug consumption, garbage, vandalism and parking.
He thinks residents should have been consulted and notified well before the concert was made official.
Coun. Paul Singh, who represents the area, agrees. He says he’s heard a number of similar concerns from residents who are worried about 30,000 people invading their neighbourhood over the course of one weekend.
“I wasn’t impressed with the public consultation,” he tells CTV News.
“Of course this is a great even that’s a benefit to the city, but those that have to deal with it over that weekend – that’s a disruption to their lives.”
As one of the first contacts between Big Music Fest organizers and city hall, Coun. Bil Ioannidis has been aware of the festival for much longer than most.
He says the promoters wanted to keep things quiet until they had enough acts booked to be sure the festival could take place.
As for the question of holding the festival in a suburban park, Ioannidis says he sees no problem with it.
“It was built to be a park to hold events and to be a vibrant park,” he says.
Which musicians will be performing at the festival won’t be announced until next week, but Ioannidis says the bill will include recognizable names.
“There will be some big acts that are coming – international stars,” he says.
In past years, Big Music Fest headline acts have included Three Days Grace, Marianas Trench and Our Lady Peace.