Staff Report
BRANT NEWS

Friday afternoon: Emergency services meeting attended by Brantford Police Service, Brant County OPP, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Brant County Ambulance, Brantford Mayor Chris Friel and the Grand River Conservation Authority. Friel says safety and security concerns discussed during the meeting lead to withdrawal of support for Hockeyfest.

Saturday morning: Police meet with Hockeyfest and advise they will not support.

Saturday at 5:30 p.m.: GRCA issues press release taking Brant Conservation Area off the table.

Saturday evening: Mayor Chris Friel confirms event is off. Hockeyfest organizer Ralph Spoltore says he will try to change the minds of GRCA and police. Brant News story: GRCA pulls out of Hockeyfest.

Sunday: Mayor decides to try and fix Hockeyfest. Spoltore considers setting up Monday morning anyway, saying he is not in breach of contract with GRCA. Brant News story: Brantford mayor working to save music festival.

Monday morning: After being turned away at Brant Conservation Area, Spoltore begins process to line up Ohsweken Speedway as Plan B location. Brant News story: Ohsweken Speedway considered to host Hockeyfest.

Monday evening: Friel and Spoltore both offer hope with tentative agreement to get police back on board. Brant News story: Spoltore, police strike tentative agreement.

Tuesday afternoon: Spoltore takes certified cheque to police to solidify tentative agreement. Only after the fact we learn police did not accept.

Tuesday at 5:05 p.m.: Police and GRCA issue scathing press releases definitively taking Brant Conservation Area off the table.

Wednesday at 1 a.m.: Spoltore confirms Ohsweken Speedway is on board as alternate venue. Press conference scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Spoltore says Ohsweken Speedway is off the table after “phone calls between police services.” Hockeyfest postponed indefinitely. No refund plans announced as Spoltore will “do everything in his power to bring festival back later this year.” Brant News story: Hockeyfest postponed indefinitely. Listen to news conference: http://bit.ly/KwGAfL

Background

January 19, 2012: Initial announcement of Hockeyfest moving to Brant Conservation Area. Brant News story: http://bit.ly/LfjEPk

March 5, 2012: Hockeyfest wins best new music festival in Ontario award. Brant News story: http://bit.ly/Lfk0VW

March 7, 2012: Hockeyfest lineup announced, featuring Weezer, Creed and Marianas Trench. Brant News story: http://bit.ly/Lfkxr4

April 14, 2012: Hockeyfest scores $350,000 provincial grant. Brant News story: http://bit.ly/JrxSdk

May 15, 2012: City passes noise exemption for concert. Brant News story: http://bit.ly/K8WqJJ