Ford Fest: What the commotion is all about and the real reason it is alcohol-free

NationalPost.com
July 24, 2014
Natalie Alcoba

Is it just me, or is Ford Fest getting more attention than usual lately?

It certainly has come under more scrutiny this year because it is occurring in a city park. That has happened before. But this being an election year, there are rules governing what candidates can or cannot do. The city, for example, cannot issue permits for the use of its facilities or parks if they are to be used for the promotion of a particular candidate. Although he claimed Ford Fest as a campaign event in 2010, Rob Ford insists this Friday’s edition at Thomson Memorial Park is not about campaigning. And the city, taking him at his word, has issued a permit. But the matter caused such a stir that city manager Joe Pennachetti penned a letter explaining the city’s rationale, noting “city staff make decisions based on what is provided on the permit application, not on speculation about what might happen at the event.” He said staff met with the mayor’s office and event organizers to ensure they understood the rules.

How will the city ensure those rules are followed?

The city plans to dispatch three employees in the parks department, and three bylaw officers to watch over the revelry. They will be looking to ensure the organizers meet the conditions of the permit, which states there be no campaign signs or distribution of campaign material. It’s also an alcohol-free event this year. But Jackie DeSouza, city spokesperson, said it’s not up to city staff to enforce other rules related to use of city resources during an election. So, if someone is handing out campaign flyers, bylaw officers will tell them to stop. But, “if someone is speaking at a microphone, they’re not going to jump up and say you can’t say that.” If someone believes there has been a breach of the code of conduct, they should take it up with the integrity commissioner (who has received complaints over Ford Fest). Ms. DeSouza noted it’s a “grey area” because the mayor and councillors are still sitting representatives who are permitted to meet with constituents and discuss issues.

What constitutes campaign material?

“It has to be something that is promoting a particular candidate, so it will be more like vote for a particular candidate, rather than just someone’s name,” said Ms. DeSouza. “If they’re simply handing out a business card with their name on it and their councillors’ office, that’s fine.”

Will this cost the city extra money?

Ms. DeSouza says parks staff will be working overtime, and it will be up to Ford Fest to foot that bill. Bylaw officers will be working their regular scheduled hours.

Is this an alcohol-free event because Rob Ford has vowed to stay sober?

Not according to the mayor, who said this week he isn’t going to be “holier than thou” and tell people they shouldn’t drink. He said Ford Fest doesn’t have a liquor permit simply because there was not enough time to secure one. But according to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, they rejected Ford Fest’s application for a permit because it did not come with a city designation that deemed it an event of “municipal significance.” Last year, Ford Fest was catered by the owner of Muzik, who already has a liquor licence and did not need to apply for further permission, said AGCO communications director Jeff Keay. The mayor had been known to party at Muzik before he went to rehab.