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Kelowna  

COG searches for answers

The success or failure of Center of Gravity over the past two years depends on which side of the fence you are sitting on.

The 2013 festival on the August long weekend was a financial success for organizer Wet Ape Productions but, for residents, businesses and emergency personnel - not so much.

In 2014, while a new plan which included a date prior to the August long weekend had a positive effect for the community, for Wet Ape Productions - not so much.

Council will review a report Monday which concludes the new, multi-faceted plan put in place in 2014 had a positive effect on both the Center of Gravity weekend itself and the August long weekend.

In part, the report states downtown businesses reported record sales on the August long weekend and fewer issues on the COG weekend one week prior while residents commented it was nice to be able to use the park during the long weekend.

It further states:

  • Changing music genre, implementing conditions of decibel levels and revising the entertainment schedule resulted in a somewhat older audience and few noise complaints
  • Enhanced on-site security plans resulted in less security related on site issues and smaller line-ups
  • Parking restrictions and bylaw patrols south of the bridge resulted in a significant improvement in the experience of those residents
  • The off-site security plan, including additional RCMP resources and road closures on Abbott, Leon and Lawrence avenues was effective
  • Wet Ape's improved shuttle service to the COG House, hotels and UBCO residences worked as planned, helping reduce congestion downtown.

The report also stated there were fewer gang related incidents than the previous year.

The additional enforcement outlined in the 2014 plan came with a steep price, an additional $26,000 for event organizers.

However, Event Development Supervisor, Mariko Siggers says COG is not without its challenges.

She pointed specifically to illicit drugs on site with a number of patients being transported to KGH for treatment for drugs or alcohol.

"RCMP, BC Ambulance and the security team were all busy managing crowds and dealing with drug and alcohol related incidents," says Siggers in her report.

"While overall RCMP files were lower in 2014, crime is still a concern with this event."

She adds that, while organizers were happy with the changes, COG was not a financial success in 2014.

"However, Wet Ape has informed the city that, despite the financial challenges of the 2014 COG event, they are working on solutions to continue COG in Kelowna in 2015."

Siggers does say the Outdoor Events Committee will not endorse a move back to the August long weekend as one of those solutions.

She says the committee recognizes Wet Ape as an excellent organization and is committed to working with them to find viable solutions to continue COG in 2015.



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