The Penticton Chamber of Commerce say it will support the 3 day Boonstock Music and Arts Festival on the August long weekend.

The site chosen on locatee-owned land at the Penticton Indian Band, off Airport Road, north of the Skaha Meadows Golf Club.

The festival was held for the first 10 years in Gibbons (north of Edmonton) but county officials refused to renew the event for 2014 citing complaints about crime, garbage and traffic.

Festival promoter Colin Kobza :

“We’re all pretty thrilled to receive a vote of confidence from the Chamber of Commerce,” said Kobza. “I think what we’re bringing to the community is a positive thing for not only the City of Penticton but also for the PIB and the families living on locatee lands.”

Kobza believes there will be some spinoff business outside of the hotels and campgrounds.

“From what we’ve heard, the smaller motels that haven’t been filled for the last several years are starting to fill up now,” he said. (from Penticton Herald)

Stakeholds including RCMP will meet in June to review plans. Local RCMP Superintendent Kevin Hewco told RDOS board members recently – plans are well behind schedule and all of that should concern the community.