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Clearview fines Destiny for violating noise bylaw
http://www.simcoe.com/sc/collingwoo...p-2510397c.html
Township charges rave, GNE board
Michael Gennings, Special
08/27/04 00:00:00
The Collingwood Agricultural Society is charged with violating Clearview Township's noise bylaw during the World Electronic Music Festival (WEMF) last month.
Also charged is Toronto-based Destiny Productions, which presented the festival at the Great Northern Exhibtion Fairgrounds, owned by the society.
"Based on the number of complaints I received that weekend charges were laid," bylaw enforcement officer Wes Prosser said.
Meanwhile, because of the festival the township is in the process of passing a special events bylaw which includes strict stipulations for future events.
Also because of the number of large scale events in the region, the Town of Wasaga Beach is preparing a special events bylaw which will require permits and financial guarantees.
Huronia West OPP detachment commander Rod Lake wrote to councils in Wasaga and Clearview earlier this year to request the bylaws.
Lake told Wasaga councillors the OPP first learned about the WEMF on the Victoria Day weekend when the intelligence branch learned the event was moving to the fairgrounds.
A retired municipal clerk-administrator and former Ontario Hydro executive are among six appointees to the board of Wasaga's electrical utility.
In a recorded vote Wasaga councillors who are the sole shareholders of Wasaga Distribution and its related companies elected current board chair Jim Fraser, former Essa Township clerk Brenda Sigouin, former Ontario Hydro director of human resources Bruce Young, Eckart Scheuing, Morley Berkovitch and Brian Kirkwood.
With Mayor Cal Patterson the board will have seven directors. It replaces the current three-member board which included Fraser, Walter Borthwick and Brian McLean - appointed under the once publicly-owned utility.
The six were appointed to terms of one or two years based on the voting by councillors.
At the time, Lake said their information was that the event amounted to a three-day rave.
For a number of years a special events bylaw has been in place in Collingwood.
Because of the World Electronic Music Festival, Prosser said the township's bylaw enforcement department received a total of 12 complaints during the July 23-25 festival.
"Given my experience in Clearview Township 12 complaints for one thing is a lot," he said, adding this is the first noise bylaw charge laid by the municipality.
Prosser said he heard through other sources, such as local elected officials, of additional noise complaints.
"The first complaint I got was around midnight on Friday. The bulk of the other complaints I got the next day. People had left voice mails or paged me," he said.
Mayor Fran Sainsbury said she received about six complaints from people, including one at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning.
All of the callers were angry at the festival for being so rude by playing music too loud, she said.
The mayor said she drove through the area Saturday night and could hear the festival from different concession roads near the grounds.
"I think they take advantage of small rural municipalities with these things," she said. "We have to pay for the support services when these events come, they make their money and leave."
The township's pending special events bylaw should include stipulations that help prevent such future situations from happening, she said.
Prosser explained that he spent much of Saturday and Sunday interviewing residents who contacted the township about noise.
The furthest complaint was made by someone who lived 10 kilometres away, he noted.
Although he wouldn't talk specifics "because the case is now before the court," Prosser said both the agricultural society and Destiny Productions were cautioned about the noise.
The municipality's noise bylaw states that: "No owner shall cause or permit the creation, presence or existence of any noise or unusual sound that disturbs or are likely to disturb the inhabitants of the Township of Clearview."
Destiny Productions, on Thursday, issued a written statement regarding the noise bylaw charge.
"As with any festival, there is a certain amount of ambient noise associated with a large number of people coming together in one place," spokesperson Ryan Kruger said. "Our event was no different, however we did take steps to ensure we kept this noise from interfering with the community."
He explained all music stages were placed indoors and that security was posted to "ensure doors remained closed throughout the weekend in order to contain the sound."
As well, private vendors and campsites were asked to turn off stereos by 11 p.m.
"Third, when the local bylaw officer informed us that he felt the noise from one of the indoor stages might still pose a problem we turned down the volume of that stage and altered the sound equalization to reduce sound travel."
Kruger said Destiny Productions: "desire[s] to build a strong bond with the Clearview community and continue to bring thousands of tourists to the region for many years to come."
Maxine Coutts-Reid, president of the Collingwood Agricultural Society, didn't return calls to the newspaper.
Prosser said the two organizations have an Oct. 15 date to appear before a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood.
They can plead guilty or go to trial, he said.
The maximum fine if convicted is $5,000.
"...When the local bylaw officer informed us that he felt the noise from one of the indoor stages might still pose a problem we turned down the volume of that stage and altered the sound equalization to reduce sound travel."
They have some valid points ya know.
Matt,
Can you get us the postal address to mail these people at - I would like to write them to let them know I think this type of action is disgusting.
Thank you for your interest in this matter.
I for one am I really pissed off about this. I will be writing the Clearview Township offics, as well as the Collingwood Connection. I am just waiting to cool down a bit so I can write an effective letter.
I can handle the noise charges, however, the new bylaws the township are trying to pass are what anger me.
http://www.theenterprisebulletin.co...name=Local+News
I am also pissed about the news coverage for this event up here. The only article published after the festival was about the $10,000 in drugs confiscated. The articles about the event beforehand were just about drugs and security measures.
Every year, Collingwood has hosted one of north america's largest Elvis festivals. It takes place right in the main street of collingwood (causing quite a disruption), goes on constantly, and is loud in a much more densely populated area. Yet every year, it goes on....
Contact info for Clearview Township:
http://www.clearviewtwp.on.ca/contact.html
Mayor on Clearview is Fran Sainsbury. Address letters to Administration to her
This is absolutely nuts, these people live in one of the largest tourist cities in Ontario... Don't they understand by bringing an event like destiny (with the number of people it pulls) it's making their city money? However people will never stop complaining, it's inevitable... It's too bad that our scene is so looked down upon. Don't they host Wakestock every year? I'm sure that's not the most quiet event. The problem is the media and the way they manipulate peoples minds into thinking everything about the EDM scene is bad. They talk about the drugs and the deaths and the noise, why not write about our community and our dj's, many of which are local talent... When WEMF was in bobcageon, I remember hearing great things from the residents, how we brought business and life to their town. I will also be writing a letter expressing my concern.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Callie5 This is absolutely nuts, these people live in one of the largest tourist cities in Ontario... Don't they understand by bringing an event like destiny (with the number of people it pulls) it's making their city money? However people will never stop complaining, it's inevitable... It's too bad that our scene is so looked down upon. Don't they host Wakestock every year? I'm sure that's not the most quiet event. The problem is the media and the way they manipulate peoples minds into thinking everything about the EDM scene is bad. They talk about the drugs and the deaths and the noise, why not write about our community and our dj's, many of which are local talent... When WEMF was in bobcageon, I remember hearing great things from the residents, how we brought business and life to their town. I will also be writing a letter expressing my concern. |
Oh man ... I hope WEMF guys don't get into shit.
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| Originally posted by Jayx1 12 old farts with nothing better to do have the power to ruin it for thousands. Why doesnt someone have the balls to tell these people to shut up. Its only 1 saturday night EVER! Faaaak! Every Thursday night the pub downstairs is noisy and im often awake until 2:30 but do i complain? OF COURSE NOT! Thats what happens when you live near people and especially near a pub/club. During the blackout we had a blackout party and it went until 2am in my parent's neighbourhood. Some jackass came and complained saying his kids had to go to school in the morning. Note that we werent even playing music it's just that the windows were all open and they heard us laughing. Our response? IT'S A BLACKOUT!! HE'S NOT GOING TO SCHOOL! We invited the guy to come join us but of course he was a beligerant idiot. I told him that our family had lived on that block for almost 20 years and that this was the first time id ever heard any noise at that time of night ever. My response was that he just chill out and live with it for a night considering what a special night it was. Of course he didnt get it... So i said fuggit and decided that i had the right to be selfish for once in my life. People need to get the pickle out.... and city council's need to stop worrying about 12 old farts and start thinking about what 10,000 partiers can do for the local economy. Id like the media to go and interview joe the pizza man, jack the esso owner or Habib the convenience store owner and see how they felt about 10 thousand tourist. Of course that will never happen! Oh and before i get any comments about my above joke.... RELAX STUPID!! |
Stratford Upon Avon didn't mind hosting Godskitchen Global Gathering this summer..
what a sad state of affairs our society is in ..
eventually these types of events will be pushed as far north as the artic circle
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| Originally posted by Callie5 WoW... I was shocked to see you quoting my post and not tearing into me, |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by dEsidEL Stratford Upon Avon didn't mind hosting Godskitchen Global Gathering this summer.. what a sad state of affairs our society is in .. eventually these types of events will be pushed as far north as the artic circle |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by dEsidEL eventually these types of events will be pushed as far north as the artic circle |
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| Originally posted by dEsidEL and then the Inuits will start complaining.. |
I'm deeply distressed to hear this but I can't say it was a total surprise. It�s definitely not the business owners complaining. It�s those old fokkers over there that don't want many young people hanging around their town. They just don�t care about how much money it brings in. On top of that, they hear nothing but bad things about the rave scene so obviously they'll do anything to preserve the �sanctity� of their town. 
Damn ignorant bastards!! 
destiny did everything to keep the noise down. i mean, that's why the garage doors were kept closed and it was so hot in there.
why weren't these noise complaints directed right to the organizer as soon as it started bothering people.
i mean it would be like me calling the cops on someone next door that clinks a dish in the sink at 11:01 p.m.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by StereoPrincess ... someone next door that clinks a dish in the sink at 11:01 p.m. |
Life is all about seeing things from other people's perspectives.
From their side, I see where they're coming from. They're old, grumpy, and their balls are hanging lower than their knees. They have a right to vent some frustration...
This is Canada, the same rights that enabled us to party @ WEMF is the same right they have to complain, so take it easy.
It is annoying though. It'd be different if WEMF was an unorganized, chaotic, town destroying event.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by cap Life is all about seeing things from other people's perspectives. From their side, I see where they're coming from. They're old, grumpy, and their balls are hanging lower than their knees. They have a right to vent some frustration... This is Canada, the same rights that enabled us to party @ WEMF is the same right they have to complain, so take it easy. It is annoying though. It'd be different if WEMF was an unorganized, chaotic, town destroying event. |
There's something fishy about this
The bylaw enforcer was THERE, and voiced his concerns, and the volume was adjusted for the main stage posing the problem. The bylaw officer then said he got 12 complaints, but did not communicate this information to event organizers?
With all these complaints, I would figure the private stereos and renegade tents would be shut down, but alas, they went on all night.
I couldn't even hear the main stages from my tent.
Also, similar complaints are raised every year about the Elvis festival, but they are brushed aside because the Elvis Festival brings Collingwood so much $$$$ (note, Collingwood and Clearview have different bylaws)
ALSO, the town of Wasaga Beach is taking action against the recent Wakestock event.
here is my letter, please give me some input and ideas and I will mail it Monday!
Dear Mayor Fran Sainsbury,
It has been brought to my attention that charges will be pressed against Destiny Productions for noise bylaw violations at the World Electronic Music Festival (WEMF). As a WEMF attendee, WEMF performer, and Clearview resident, I am deeply saddened by this decision.
Firstly, as an attendee of this festival, I would like to address how important this festival is to me, personally. Electronic music is somewhat taboo in this particular region (as in Clearview and area), so the opportunity to gather with thousands of fans who share your passion is rare. I look back at the most recent festival at the GNE, and I see probably one of the most exciting, thrilling, and emotionally moving weekends of my young life. Electronic music culture is not about drugs, even though that�s what it has been made out to be by popular media, it�s about unity and music. That is why I go to these types of parties � to experience the music I love with the people I love. I am not the only one who has the opinion either. We were not at the GNE to get trashed and trip out to blips and bleeps. I think it is important that you (as someone who probably has not experienced this culture first hand) understand this first, because like I mentioned, the media has shown us to be a drug obsessed culture, and the local media coverage of WEMF 2004 was no different.
Second, I want to comment on the experience as a performer at this event. As a performer, I know many of the promoters, and met many during the festival. I was also more familiar with noise rules within the fairgrounds than the averaged festival goer, because my performance stage was directly affected by the noise regulations. In the event of complaints after 11pm, security would move through the campground and vendor area, shutting down personal stereos that were not operated by Destiny Productions. Now, the Collingwood Connection reported that bylaw enforcer Wes Prosser voiced concerns during the festival about noise from one the stages. Destiny immediately adjusted sound levels for the stage to meet noise bylaw requirements. This establishes that Wes Prosser was at the festival, and communicating with the staff in charge. Now, it is easier to have security do a sweep through the campgrounds and shut down stereos than adjusting the levels and EQ settings mid-show, so I believe event staff would have gladly done the security sweep if complaints were received. Why did Prosser not communicate these complaints to event staff? It has been established he was there and in communication with the staff. Destiny was very rigorous at communicating the 11pm no-stereo rule leading up to the event, so I find it hard to believe they would not have enforced the rule had complaints been received. To me, it sounds like Destiny cooperated fully, and bylaw enforcement did not. You might claim incompetent security staff? You should know it is the same security staff that managed SARS-stock in Toronto last year. I�d finally like to point out (as someone who stayed in the campgrounds) that I could not hear the main (event-sponsored) sound systems from my tent.
Lastly, I want to address this issue as a Clearview resident. Actually, I consider myself a Collingwood resident because of my close proximity to the town line (100m). I live along Hurontario St, and every year, my family and I endures the Elvis Festival. It is loud, it is unpleasant, it disrupts our lives, and that�s nothing compared to the residents of downtown Collingwood. But, I recognize the fact it is three days out of my life, and thousands of people are having a good time because of it. I am by no means an Elvis fan, and I wouldn�t care much if the event was cancelled, but I am not one to call in noise complaints and ruin a good time for thousands of people. I am sure people do end up calling in noise complaints, but I doubt they would ever shut the festival down because of 12 complaints. I also recognize the money this festival brings every year. I ask you to recognize the same. I am sure business owners near the GNE would love to tell you what business was like during the festival. Or maybe you could call up business owners in Bobcaygeon, Ontario, the host of a previous World Electronic Music Festival. Many business owners have gone on the record commenting on the great business the festival brought to the town.
I am sure Destiny would be interested in sharing ideas regarding the increased incorporation of local businesses into the festival, because Destiny would be interested in holding this event at the GNE again and again for many years to come? Why? Because the location is great! The biggest highlight this year was the quality of the location � the GNE, Wasaga Beach, everything! However, with the proposed special event bylaws combined with these ridiculous charges may turn the festival away from Clearview, and towards other townships that are more interested in the potential income, and more tolerant of music and culture. I think if Clearview works with Destiny, it could be a definite win-win situation like the Elvis Festival has done with Collingwood.
The negative reactions to the World Electronic Music Festival, and Wakestock feels like the anti-youth sentiment that has somehow taken ahold of this area. Do not deny it is there, because it is there, and I know many people, include myself, who have experienced this sentiment first hand. I have been kicked out of stores for no reason, been treated rudely by senior citizens, among other things. I do not dress in a threatening way either (no bandanas, baggy pants, etc.). Please do not give in to this anti-youth attitude, and in fact help discourage it. Because when I see 12 older folks given more voice and power than 8000 young adults, I don�t see democracy, I see bigotry.
Thank you for your time, and I hope I can communicate my points effectively.
Sincerely,
Matt Marshall
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| at the GNE again and again for many years to come? |
USe the vote!
Threaten to make this an election issue and communicate to them that you will be actively organizing a youth vote against this mayor unless the ridiculous charges are dropped. Talk to the mayor as a voter, not as a partier/DJ/kid.
The only reason they are taking action is because they feel that 12 votes are much more important than your non-vote.
This is why its important that young people vote in ALL elections including municpal. If this persists you should run for mayor just to make a point.
great letter Matt...everyone else who feels strongly about this issue should write something similar. It doesn't have to get combatitive...it just needs to be reasonable (like Matt's letter).
Since no one there is going to give a shit about the party goers from out of town (this is a local bylaw issue, after all) why doesn't someone do exactly what he suggests...contact the business owners. Drum up LOCAL support for the festival.
If only 12 people complain, but many more support it, maybe the complainers will just have to suck it up and have to endure WEMF, Elvis, or whatever.
A petiton for major isues at a Federal level, for example, often serve only a symbolic purpose...but on a small local level, it could be significant.
So...who's going to organize it? Who feels so strongly that they won't just sit back and complain? I hope Destiny at least approaches the business owners who profit from such festivals being there...
It doesnt have to be combative but politicians listen a little more intentively when votes are on the line. This is exactly the reason why they feel the can pick on this event and get a way with it.
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| Originally posted by Jayx1 It doesnt have to be combative but politicians listen a little more intentively when votes are on the line. This is exactly the reason why they feel the can pick on this event and get a way with it. |
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