Mississauga’s annual Ribfest event will be moved from Celebration Square to Port Credit Memorial Park.

The move was made in response to councillors’ complaints about the four-day festival being held in the city’s civic precinct.

“I think this is going to be incredible,” said Coun. Carolyn Parrish, who pushed to have the event moved from Celebration Square.

The weeklong closure of the splash pad during Ribfest and charging admission to enter Celebration Square were the main concerns of councillors.

Charging $2 per person to enter Ribfest at Celebration Square is contrary to a city bylaw, which states the area should be "open and accessible to all members of the community." And with the event scheduled in July, councillors criticized closing splash pads used by children in the nearby condominium towers.

In January, Parrish requested the event organizers, Rotary Club, and city staff work together to find an alternative location.

“City staff and representatives from the Rotary Club have worked closely together to develop a successful plan to relocate 2018 Ribfest from Mississauga Celebration Square to Port Credit Memorial Park,” said Paul Mitcham, commissioner of community services for the City of Mississauga.

Ribfest is scheduled to take place at Port Credit Memorial Park from July 12 to 15, 2018.

Natalie Hart, co-ordinator of Ribfest, had initially expressed concerns that the move could impact attendance and ultimately the financial success of Ribfest. Those concerns were eliminated when the idea to relocate on the “stunning waterfront” at Memorial Park was pitched.

“We look forward to bringing this long standing successful fundraiser to the Port Credit area and being part of that vibrant community,” said Hart.