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The Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival continues today with a fantastic lineup of activities and events throughout the downtown area and concerts at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park.
Canal Days is a free festival, and concerts have strict capacity limits based on permitting from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Last night at the mainstage concerts, the park reached capacity just prior to 9:30 p.m. and many hopeful concertgoers were unable to be admitted inside the fenced-in area.
Unfortunately, fencing around the concert venue was knocked down by these hopeful concertgoers. Approximately 15 minor injuries were reported, and alcohol service was shut down in the interest of public safety. The concert continued with a respectful and appreciative crowd who were able to enjoy the music of Billy Talent from both in and outside the fenced-in area.
The City of Port Colborne and Canal Days organizers take the safety of our residents and visitors very seriously. While we did expect a crowd of more than 10,000 people to attend the concerts, we believe more than 25,000 people attempted to attend – which is far more than the space available within the free concert grounds in this small community.
“While I am deeply disappointed with the concertgoers who knocked down the concert fencing, I am very grateful for the support of our staff and volunteers, Niagara Regional Police Service, our third-party security teams, and the AGCO who supported the response to the fence breach incident,” said Mayor William Steele.
“Port Colborne is a small community, and the Canal Days festival has been consistently growing over the past several years,” said Scott Luey, City of Port Colborne CAO. “Our team met during the concert, late last night and this morning with representatives from police, fire, medical services, security and the AGCO to debrief. We very much appreciate the support of these event partners and their advice related to safety, security and production. Across the board, we heard positive appraisal related to our planning, preparation, execution and response to the event.”
The City and Canal Days organizers are looking forward to a third fun and safe day at the festival. Much smaller crowds are expected at the afternoon and evening concerts as the festival continues.
Moving forward, organizers will conduct a thorough review of the festival and concert with all of the event partners, with an eye to making improvements for future years.
Concertgoers who have unused drink tickets can redeem them in one of the following ways:
- At the concerts at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park today between 12-3 p.m. or this evening between 6-11 p.m.
- At any of the participating restaurants in the downtown festival footprint during the remainder of the festival
- Breakwall Brewing Co.
- Canalside Restaurant
- Royal Canadian Legion
- Super Mario's Pizza
- The Belmont
- The Canadian Corps
- The Lock Wood Fired Pizza
- The Pie Guys Bakery & Cafe
- The Smokin' Buddha (closed)
3. Request a refund at the City’s Pilot House booth, located on Clarence Street near West Street
4. Call or visit the City’s Customer Service team during regular business hours, beginning Tuesday, August 6. City Hall is open 8:30-4:30. Phone: 905-835-2900
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