Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Boonstock organizers speak at recent chamber forum

The Boonstock Music and Arts Festival was again under discussion at Monday's Penticton council meeting.

This time around they were considering a letter asking them to endorse the festival, submitted by the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber fully supports the festival, even holding a well-attended forum, where people could ask questions of organizers, on July 8.

Council, however, has maintained more of a neutral stance. With some councillors more outspoken on the event than others.

"We certainly wish the organizers success," said Councillor Wes Hopkin. "More people are asking us to endorse the event, but it's not in our jurisdiction."

Council ultimately accepted to just receive the letter for now.

Councillor Helena Konanz also made a motion that the council support and welcome everyone coming into town for Boonstock.

"I think there will be thousands of people in town, and we should welcome them," she said.

This spurred a response from Councillor Katie Robinson, who has been very concerned about security issues at the festival.

"To me we're getting beyond the pale here, when we have to say that we're going to welcome people to our city," she said. "I would think that would go without saying."

Konanz has stated several times that if this first concert is a success, it could be an economic boon for Penticton, so everyone should be supportive of it.

Boonstock is being held on Penticton Indian Band locatee land on the August long weekend. More information on the event is available on its Facebook page.