Ribfest right for Thornhill community?
Northern Heat Rib Series June 23 to June 25

Yorkregion.com
June 23, 2017
By Simone Joseph

Who knew a Thornhill ribfest could spawn controversy?

Some are excited for this weekend’s ribfest: “It's great to not have to trek to some out of town place to enjoy some good ribs,” said Jodi Echakowitz on Facebook.

Others, such as Thornhill Coun. Alan Shefman, are bracing for the Thornhill ribfest at Dufferin Clark Community Centre, organized by a company called Northern Heat.

Shefman wanted the event cancelled or relocated.

He pointed out in a June 6 resolution that 2,000 people are expected daily at the event from June 23 to June 25.

Shefman is concerned the event is near a residential area, and pointed out that a nearby plaza as well as Vaughan Secondary School could be negatively impacted.

In a submission to Vaughan council’s finance and administration committee, he said he is worried about traffic, noise, waste, potential “rowdyism” from excessive drinking and a potential increase in drunk drivers.

Shefman pointed out that Vaughan requires a significant public event to have local, regional, national, international, historical or cultural significance; build awareness of diverse cultures; or benefit the community.

Woodbridge has a ribfest, but it is at Woodbridge Fairgrounds, where there is lots of parking, Shefman said.

In a June 2 memorandum to two Vaughan directors, Shefman called Vaughan’s event planning application approach “seriously flawed.” He said ward councillors are not notified about events within a reasonable time, meaning they cannot have “more than a token response.”

Coun. Shefman said Vaughan council only heard about the ribfest on May 8, while the event application was made back in December 2016.

Ward 4 Concord/Thornhill Coun. Sandra Yeung Racco shared Shefman’s belief that a new approach is needed.

“When there is an event of this magnitude, we should be notified,” Yeung Racco said.

Yeung Racco also pointed out that the venue may not be ideal, because it is a busy community centre with programs, a library and seniors clubs.

“We should be more understanding of the community; where it (the event) is being held before saying, yes, go ahead,” Yeung Racco said.

Vaughan’s bylaw and compliance director and its recreation services director wrote a letter explaining the decision to permit the event. The letter explained that ribfest happens at a good time, because recreation programs at the community centre have finished and new summer programs have not yet begun. The letter also pointed out that Vaughan Public Library didn’t complain of concerns with the event and said the organizer is subject to extra conditions, including ensuring sound is not excessive, providing trained security and ensuring garbage collection.

In its application, Northern Heat pointed out the event’s positives: free entry, brings families and citizens together to celebrate, added tourism, “inclusive to all cultures and offers something for everyone.”

Coun. Shefman argued, “We also need to devise an approach to these applications that reviews purely commercial events differently than those whose interest has some linkage with the community.”

Asked for an update on the event on Tuesday, Coun. Shefman said via email, “Against my vehement opposition, it will go ahead”.