Republic Live has a plan to accommodate thousands of people at its Burl’s Creek property in Oro-Medonte, but it’s unclear whether any events of that size will be permitted this year.
Despite having what he feels is a sufficient, safe plan for events that could see between 5,000 and 10,000 people, Republic Live executive vice-president Todd Jenereaux said the current situation in Ontario likely won’t allow for that to happen.
“We’re devising plans based on best practices around the world, but there’s no one to really talk to. You can’t get anyone to approve a large-scale event for the summer,” he said.
He noted the Calgary Stampede is going forward, with additional safety measures in place, but added ”what’s going on in Ontario is a much more random approach to opening and closing.”
He feels Burl’s Creek, which is about 600 acres in size, would be ideal for an outdoor event this year. Queueing areas could be set up, as well as perimeters and quadrants to keep people apart.
People in different areas of the property would have separate washrooms and food vendors.
“I don’t think there’s a place in Ontario that’s better suited to having safe, physically distanced shows than Burl’s Creek,” he said. “It’s a safe format to use for people.”
While he said he has received support from some politicians, “the health unit is really driving the bus right now.”
He understands approving large gatherings isn’t a priority for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit — at least right now, when the province is in lockdown and there’s concern about capacity in intensive care units.
During a virtual town hall, Lisa MacLeod, minister of heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries, suggested there was a goal to allow for outdoor festivals in August, Jenereaux said. If that happens, Burl’s Creek could end up hosting an event.
There’s been “a ton of interest” from agents and performers, but many are also gun-shy after a roller-coaster year of changing restrictions that have resulted in bookings being cancelled.
“They don’t want to commit to anything,” Jenereaux said.
That’s why he’s hoping there will be some clear guidelines coming for festivals and other outdoor gatherings, allowing them to operate in a safe way.
Republic Live recently announced the cancellation of Boots and Hearts for the second year, and Jenereaux is concerned about the potential for another summer with no outdoor events and the ripple effect that could cause.
“For the second year in a row, if we have very little for people to do, the risk of colossal over-tourism is likely to happen,” he said. “We need to be able to have safe events so they don’t overload what little is available.”
The past year-plus hasn’t been an easy ride for Republic Live and Burl’s Creek.
“We’ll be OK, but at some point, we can’t keep throwing money at this property,” he said, but added the company is “committed to the property long-term.”
While there aren’t any events happening at the site, there are still costs, including insurance, maintenance, and staffing to “keep the brand alive.”
“We have a very significant annual, non-discretionary expense,” he said.
While he is hopeful about the possibility of hosting some kind of event this year at Burl’s Creek, he’s also looking forward to Boots and Hearts returning in 2022.
“People are so excited to get back to normal and get back to live music. When it comes back, it’s going to come back guns a-blazing, and I can’t wait,” he said. “We will put together an amazing lineup and it probably will be our best-attended show, and our best show, ever.”
