Boonstock loses security

UPDATED

Boonstock organizers could not be reached Thursday regarding the press release issued by International Crowd Management.

But they did provide this statement on their Facebook page: In reference to a press release put out by ICM Security reporting that they terminated the security agreement, we want to assure Boonstock attendees and supporters that the festival is not under threat of being cancelled because of ICM's withdrawal.

We don't want to go into too much detail about what happened, but suffice it to say we are in talks with other security management companies and are confident we will find a provider to meet the needs of attendees, the RCMP and the community.

This festival is first and foremost about you, the music fans attending the event and your safety is paramount to us.

Nothing has changed in that regard. We look forward to hosting some of the world's top artists and musicians, and we are thrilled to highlight the beauty of Penticton and the Okanagan region to our attendees from all over the world this August long weekend.

It appeared to be business as usual, Thursday, at the large site that has been cleared for the festival on Penticton Indian Band locatee land.

---

International Crowd Management announced this week it has terminated an exclusive agreement with Boonstock, following a number of safety-oriented service reductions requested by the festival promoters.

Brent Pollock, president of the Vancouver-based security company, said ICM was informed last week by Boonstock Productions that they would not require several contracted services and there were also significant cuts to the security deployment and an order to refrain from communicating directly with the RCMP and B.C. Liquor Branch.

The announcement, came on the same day that organizers led a second tour of the site on Penticton Indian Band locatee land. The first was held earlier in June.

At last week's council meeting, Councillor Katie Robinson expressed concerns about security at the site and not being in the loop. An in camera meeting with Boonstock organizers was subsequently held on Wednesday.

The clock is ticking, with the festival slated to be held on the August long weekend.

Here is the full press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL CROWD MANAGEMENT INC. TERMINATES SERVICE

SUPPLY AGREEMENT WITH BOONSTOCK PRODUCTIONS INC.

Vancouver, BC July 2, 2014

International Crowd Management Inc. (ICM) one of British Columbia’s largest and most

well known special event security company, announces that we have terminated our

exclusive Service Supply Agreement with Boonstock Productions Inc. Effective June 27,

2014 to provide services for the Boonstock Music and Arts Festival August 1-3, 2014.

Last week, ICM was informed by Boonstock Productions Inc. that they would not be

requiring the following exclusive contracted services from ICM: all first aid/paramedical

services, lifeguards, floating cork line and rescue/safety boats. In addition there were

significant cuts to the security deployment, as well as an order to refrain from

communicating directly with the RCMP and BC Liquor Branch.

After serious consideration, ICM decided that with the sudden and significant changes to

the Safety Plan without consultation with ICM or the various city, provincial or Federal

stakeholders were unacceptable and at the very least, placed health and safety concerns

and our professional reputation in jeopardy.

About International Crowd Management Inc.:

ICM is a British Columbia based company formed in 1997 whose core business is

providing consulting, security/crowd management, fist aid/paramedical services,

guest/hosting services, CCTV and executive protection to entertainment, sporting and

special events. With a Corporate office in Vancouver and additional offices in Prince

George, Victoria and Kelowna, ICM has provided services to more than 20,000 events.

Brent Pollock, President