Burl’s Creek Event Grounds has pleaded guilty and has been fined $200,000 for violating Oro-Medonte Township rules.

The festival venue and township were in Orillia provincial court Yesterday for charges related to the June Barrie Automotive Flea Market.

In a joint position submitted by the township and Burl’s Creek, the festival venue will pay $75,000 in fines for two zoning violations and $125,000 for five obnoxious use violations. Obnoxious uses include vibrations, fumes and or dust from vehicles and construction activity undertaken at or near the lands.

“That joint position was for a significant fine which reflects both the gravity of the offences to which the accused corporations pleaded, as well as the accused corporations’ subsequent conduct on the Burl’s Creek Event Grounds from June through to September 2015,” states a township media release.

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“Burl’s Creek is satisfied that this matter, as well as any further prosecutions pertaining to 2015, are now closed,” said Ryan Howes, vice-president of business development and operations with Burl’s Creek.

The township had ongoing investigations of potential violations during WayHome Music and Arts Festival, Boots and Hearts Music Festival and the Fall Barrie Automotive FleaMarket.

Township Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough said: “It is important to keep in mind, the decision was made in the best interest of the municipality, our residents, and community as a whole. The agreement holds Burl’s Creek liable through their acknowledgment of the violations and agreeing to pay the fine for the offences.”

In a separate matter, Burl’s Creek has filed an appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) stating the township failed to make a decision on its temporary use bylaw. Burl’s Creek submitted an application to the township for permission to expand the festival grounds to 526.77 acres for next year’s events. At this point, just 92 acres are approved for festival use. Oro-Medonte council no longer has a say on whether or not Burl’s Creek Event Grounds will expand.

“It means we won’t be making the decision now. It will strictly rest with the OMB,” Hough said.

Howes said an appeal was filed with the OMB in an effort to move forward.