The Simon Tonekham Statesman

I stumbled upon a facebook group about a topic from the Warped Reporters website appropriately dubbed, “The Toronto Warped Tour Fiasco” or “The Disaster that is “Toronto” Warped”. A fan decided to weigh in how the Warped Tour management had handled the situation back then when the Warped Tour was held at Park Place in Barrie – until changes has prompted them to study their options further. I found this from this link: http://warpedreporter.com/stories.php?id=251. I’m going to write this on my own perspective:

One fan has realized that the city Montreal, ON is NOT CORRECT. Montreal, QC is the correct way to have the Warped Tour stop. it seems that many Warped organizers in America doesn’t believe the proper Canadian geography.

Park Park (formerly known as Molson Park) has been home to the Warped Tour for many years from 2002 to 2007. It was also the home when Live 8 was held back in July 2005.  Then on March 2007, the Warped Tour organizers has announce that they would not get a venue on time because of the construction. Subsequently two weeks after that announcement in April, Burl’s Creek Park was initially announced. Burl’s Creek Park is situated in a town called Oro which is North East of Barrie. This translates into a long commute for some people and it involves some transportation issues.

Then things went for the worse. In May, the Warped Tour organizers have decided that it’s their lucky day and the Warped Tour will be held for sure at Park Place. The organizers have packed the Burl’s Creek Park in for future consideration, but this has since been opposed (and continues to be opposed) by Burl’s Creek Park organizers – citing safety, logistical and other related issues.

And so, the Warped Tour was held at Park Place and the fans are having a hardcore time. They didn’t realize that this is the last time that the Warped Tour will be held at Park Place, leaving many fans wondering where will the tour be held for next year? That’s where I come in. I’ve decided to post my own perspective on why I couldn’t attend the Warped Tour at the first place.

A few months have passed since the Warped Tour at Park Place last held and Park Place is torn down. To see the video of that, please go to this link: http://www.parkplacebarrie.com/html/media_centre.html and click on “Demolition Clip”.

Now let’s go to 2008 and this year’s Warped Tour WAS supposed to be held at Downsview Park (the same place where World Youth Day was held in 2002 and the Rolling Stones “SARSSTOCK” concert back in 2003). It was a perfect venue for the tour and it’s really well accessible by public transit and all the major highways. However, people who live out of town has to find some ways on getting there in terms of ride-sharing and/or arranging a bus to take people to the tour.

But, shortly after the announcement, the Downsview Park proposal has been sacked. Now the tour will be held at a so-called place called “The Flats at Arrow Hall” - which in turn located on the same site as the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. I’ve known the International Centre for many years, back in the days when the now-defunct Computer Fest (a computer show and sale) was held. The venue change had raised many questions by fans. At least the venue is well served by Public Transit. The Mississauga Transit route 7, the TTC 58 Malton (only if you intend to go West of Pearson Airport and only if you get off since this bus enters Mississauga) and GO’s 34 Brampton bus route (via Dixon Rd.) serve the International Centre. In another twist, one of Brampton Transit’s bus routes (I couldn’t remember which one) serve the International Centre, but within walking distance.

I am a very strong public transit advocate and following advice to my good ‘ol colleague Ed Drass (he is a 1994 graduate of York University), it seems that he never heard about the Warped Tour before, but he really believes in me on my intensive knowledge of transportation.

In summary, at least many fans would have less to worry about and they would probably most likely to get the message because the Warped Tour is now going to be held at Arrow Hall. If you people didn’t get the message by the time this was posted, YOU MUST BE AWARE OF THE CHANGE. It’s that simple.