Exemption request under consideration for Tall Pines Music and Art Festival in Gravenhurst
Gravenhurst Council was requested to make an exemption to the municipal By-law for the Tall Pines Music and Art Festival, in the January 17, 2023, meeting.
CEO, of the RC Marketing Agency in Toronto, Kevin Goodman, requested the Town make an exemption to allow for 45 RV and trailer parking spaces in lot 21, at the Muskoka Wharf, for this “unique destination festival.”
Goodman indicated that 70% of sales for last year’s event were from visitors outside of Muskoka, and suggested this as an affordable option, given the higher costs of overnight accommodations in the region. It would also allow for those attending to be within walking distance from the event to their RV’s and trailers, given that alcohol will be served.
Upon inquiry from Council about whether there were any complaints or issues from last years event, Goodman indicated, “Over the weekend, we asked one person to leave Saturday and one person to leave Sunday, and there was zero medical [issues], and police presence.” He added, “The consumers and fans that we have coming to the festival, especially those that can afford an RV would not be a party till dawn type of consumer.”
Councillor, Sandy Cairns, who attended the event last year, suggested that staff provide notices to nearby residents of all events, “so they know what’s going on.”
Council directed staff administration to investigate options to allow the festival to move forward, including notification to nearby residents ahead of time.
Upon approval, the festival will run on June 16 and 17 this year, and tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
