A festival that’s been running for more than 30 years is in danger of ending after city hall renews a policy to “minimize disruptions” to Victoria Park.
Hillier says the decision comes after the festival was already granted permission to put rides on the green space twice. However, director of parks and forestry for the city Paul Yeoman says that was a temporary exception.“In 2022 and 2023 the City allowed a temporary exemption to the Special Events Policy and allowed rides on the park’s green space while re-routing Queens Avenue traffic to Dufferin, making it difficult to close the street,” Yeoman said in a statement.
Hillier questions the idea that the event damages the park, and says the rides aren’t “heavy-duty” enough to cause any damage to the park’s turf. Hillier’s company, Family Shows Canada, also operates Ribfest and the London International Food and Drink Festival.