Thank you for your email.
Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff issued the permit for the Friday, July 25th Ford Fest on Tuesday afternoon on behalf of the City as all required conditions were met.
The permit as requested is for a special event to which the public will be invited. City staff can only make decisions based on what is provided on the permit application, not on speculation about what we think will happen at the event. The description of this event is similar to the other 130+ community events that have already been held this year by other councillors in City facilities or parks.
There are clear City guidelines on restrictions on campaigning at a permitted event at a City park and the onus is on the permit applicant to abide by all applicable City and election policies.
Senior City staff met with the Mayor's Office on Monday to review the policies that must be followed during the event. A letter was also provided along with a copy of the applicable policies. In addition, Parks supervisors and bylaw enforcement officers will be onsite to monitor the event.
City staff apply the same consistent and fair process in reviewing all permit requests. As mentioned above, the onus is on the councillor or candidate to ensure that what happens at the event doesn't contravene City or election policies.
I hope this addresses your concerns regarding the Friday, July 25th Ford Fest.
Yours truly,
Joseph P. Pennachetti