Charlottetown eyes new mega-concert site

The City of Charlottetown believes the northern portion of the Upton Farm property, on the North River in West Royalty, is ideal for a new outdoor concert venue.

Councillor Peter McCloskey says he's optimistic a deal can be done within the next two weeks that would make that property the most desired concert location in the region.

Charlottetown has had some success in recent years hosting large concerts, drawing 30,000 for Aerosmith last year and 15,000 for the Black Eyed Peas the year before that, but there were complaints.

Held at the Charlottetown Driving Park near the city's downtown, those concerts drew complaints about noise from nearby residents and from fans regarding bad sight lines to the stage.

McCloskey told CBC News Friday promoters are excited about the possibilities of the Upton Farm venue.

"The promoters that we've shown that property to suggested that it's probably one of the best pieces of property for an outdoor venue in the Maritimes," he said.

The land slopes down to North River, a natural amphitheatre that could hold up to 50,000 fans, and the area is well away from residential developments.

The Upton Farm property straddles the Trans-Canada Highway, with the concert site being considered on the north side. It is owned by Canada Lands, a Crown corporation that manages federal government property, mostly with an eye to selling off surplus land.

Canada Lands has proposed a residential development on the south side of the highway, a plan that has spawned the Upton Farm Preservation Group, which aims to keep the site as a green space. McCloskey said the group is on side with the concert venue proposal.

"I believe that the friends of the farm would be more than willing to support a concert on that piece of property," he said.

Kirsten Conner of the Upton Farm Preservation Group said, however, the group is still undecided on the idea.

"The feeling of the Upton Farm preservation network working group is that we should remain neutral on this matter," said Connor.

The group is waiting to hear specifically what's planned for the land, she said.

A meeting is scheduled for this week involving the city, the Upton Farm group and Canada Lands.