WEYBURN – Weyburn city council approved a request from Pumpjacks to hold an open-air concert at their location during the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show, with a number of conditions to address concerns raised by neighbours.
The concert was slated for an outdoor area on their property at 18th Street on May 31 and June 1. A discretionary use permit was required by the city as it is for any open air music event as a high-impact event on the surrounding neighbourhood.
Development officer Janine Fletcher noted they sent out notices to a 200-metre radius, beyond the 75 metres normally used to solicit concerns or views from neighbours.
Concerns were raised about the event from past years and the noise it creates, as well as the mess left behind on the property and surrounding area.
“I admit I’ve been struggling with this,” said Coun. Laura Morrissette, adding she would support extending the noise bylaw exemption to midnight as long as a number of conditions were adhered to by the applicants.
Coun. Mel Van Betuw pointed out that the Oil Show provides a huge benefit to the city when it’s held, and he appreciated the concerns raised by the neighbours.
“I just hope we can put up with the inconvenience for a couple of nights,” he added.
Coun. Ryan Janke noted he was within the radius of neighbours who received a notice about the event, and thought the conditions set forward by Fletcher was “an excellent compromise” that should allow the event to proceed.
Coun. Jeff Richards added he wants the neighbours in the area to know “we hear you” about their concerns, and commented that this event overall is good for the city. He added the assurance to residents, “your voices have been heard.”
The music will be performed in a tent to the east of the Pumpjacks building, and would run from about 8 p.m. to midnight.
A number of conditions were put forward by the Weyburn Fire Department and the Weyburn Police Service, in addition to conditions that arise from the zoning bylaw to cover such events.
The conditions include an inspection by the Fire Department; the tents must have a fire rating and the installation must comply with the national building code; there must be at least two exits and placing of 10 portable fire extinguishers; live music is permitted until midnight on both nights; and the volume of noise “shall be reasonable at the discretion of a peace officer”.
There must be permits from the SLGA, access to washrooms, and the site must be kept clean, with the site left in a neat and tidy condition after the event is over and the tent is removed.
