Boonstock policing costs

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

The Penticton RCMP have compiled their stats and completed a cost analysis of policing operations directly related to the Boonstock Music Festival held over the August Long Weekend, but the numbers don't tell the whole story.

While 150 police files, including 38 prisoners held, can be attributed directly to the event, the RCMP role changed significantly due to gaps identified in the private security. Enforcement efforts were replaced by a focus on security and public safety so that those gaps could be addressed.

"We can only speculate what the numbers might have been had we been left to simply police the event as planned," says Superintendent Kevin Hewco with the Penticton RCMP. "A great deal of discretion was used during the event for lesser offences when our role changed from enforcement to security and public safety."

Not only did the policing role change due to security concerns, but so did the policing resources. Initially estimated to cost around $200,000, the final two days required more officers in the event grounds to compensate for identified deficiencies, with the new policing cost evaluation just over $250,000. It is incumbent upon the promoter to reimburse the Provincial Government for these special event policing costs so that they do not become a burden to taxpayers.

It is impossible to say with complete certainty, but the lack of liquor licence likely kept the policing costs from escalating even further.

"I believe that the security concerns that we identified would only have been compounded had the event been issued a liquor licence," states Hewco. "Our ability to maintain order and relative safety at this event is attributable to our increased resources and the limited availability of liquor on site."

The Penticton RCMP will continue to work with local government and the event organizer for any future promotions in order to advocate for safety and security.

"The planning of any major event plays a significant role in its success and safety," says Hewco. "From our view, I cannot label this event as a success, especially considering the fact that a young woman died."