P.E.I. Peas concert in jeopardy

A planned Labour Day concert by the Black Eyed Peas may move off Prince Edward Island as organizers struggle to find a venue that is willing to deal with the expected 20,000 fans.

'We have to somehow find a venue where we're all happy with it.' -Coun. Bruce Garrity

When the concert was announced in mid-July, the plan was to hold it on a campground in Alexandra, just east of Charlottetown.

But some residents objected, citing noise and vandalism concerns, and Charlottetown city Coun. Bruce Garrity told CBC News this week he's been told the concert will not be held there.

Another option was the Charlottetown Driving Park, which will host the Barenaked Ladies later this month, but council voted against that this week.

"We're not confident that the site is large enough to safely accommodate 20,000 people and have decided not to support that location for the concert," said Mayor Clifford Lee.

But the city is still interested in the economic benefits the concert could bring.

"These people bring a lot of economic spinoffs to the area, hotels, meals etc.," said Garrity.

"We have to somehow find a venue where we're all happy with it, because the spinoffs are terrific. The issue is, somebody has to come up with an acceptable area so we don't lose the concert."

Garrity said the airport or Upton Farm property in the north of Charlottetown might be possibilities. With the concert just a month away, time is running out to find a venue. If one can't be found, it is likely the concert will be moved to Moncton or Halifax.

A move would be embarrassing for the province, which has offered up its sales tax on ticket sales to the promoter as an incentive.

Tourism Minister Philip Brown said the province's sponsorship of the Black Eyed Peas concert is a one-time deal to prove P.E.I. can host shows of this size.