Nixed Alberta Boonstock hits Skaha

Photo: Contributed

Map shows the location of the festival and camping area.

The largest music festival of its kind in Western Canada is coming to Penticton.

Organizers of the Boonstock Music Festival recently announced  they had found a new location and a new date for their 10th anniversary.

Penticton was deemed an appropriate choice because of its hot weather, breathtaking scenery and a site that has water nearby.

Penticton CEO Annette Antoniak said she only learned of the decision to bring the festival here on Monday.

"The promoter and Travis Kruger from the Penticton Indian Band met with the mayor and I, and it was the first time we were given any details," she said. "It is all very new to us, and we were told it is being held on First Nations land above Skaha Meadows Golf Course."

Antoniak said they were further informed the promoter would be meeting with the RCMP superintendent today.

The festival is set to take place Aug. 1-3, 2014.

The move comes after officials in Sturgeon County, Alberta voted to put an end to the festival in September.

Their decision was based on a number of complaints from area residents, along with police and health officials, over the long-running and popular festival.

Colin Kobza, president of the Boonstock Entertainment and Arts Society, admits there were problems with the location. It was a small parcel of land with problems with exiting and entering, as well as security and crime, he said.

"I think we needed more land, which we now have," he said. "We love this region and feel it has a lot to offer, and we feel we can do a lot for the community as well."

Further information on ticketing and reasons for the move are on their website, at www.boonstock.ca.  

With files, CTV Edmonton