Paris Drinks Fest back on after council vote

The Sam Roberts Band performs on the main stage during the 2025 Paris Drinks Fest at Twin Rivers Stadium. Council voted Jan. 13 to grant a noise bylaw exemption allowing the festival to return to the site this summer.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The Paris Drinks Fest will return to Twin Rivers Stadium this summer after County of Brant council voted 9–1 on Jan. 13 to grant a noise bylaw exemption, reversing a decision made just weeks earlier.

Council had initially denied the exemption at its December meeting, a move that effectively prevented the festival from being held at Twin Rivers Stadium, located beside the Syl Apps Community Centre. The decision prompted renewed consultation with county staff and councillors, along with a wave of public feedback both for and against the event.

Festival organizer Tim Des Islets, president of Noisemaker Presents Inc., returned to council with amendments to the application and a series of proposed compromises aimed at addressing concerns raised by nearby residents, particularly around noise and duration.

Councillors acknowledged during debate that the space beside the Syl Apps is not an ideal or permanent location for a mid to large-scale music festival. However, many said the organizer demonstrated a willingness to work with the community and mitigate impacts, which ultimately led them to support the exemption for this year.

Sixteen letters were submitted to council as correspondence, reflecting sharply divided opinions.

“We are gobsmacked that 7 noise complaints justified depriving the community of a fantastic opportunity,” wrote Linda and Bob Stripe in a letter supporting the festival.

Others opposed the exemption. In a letter against the event, Lynn Sterett wrote, “I’m sorry but living in close proximity to this location four days of loud music and constant traffic and congestion is disturbing. Also loud human generated noises significantly bother wildlife. We are lucky enough to have the river here and we should respect the wildlife that calls this home. I applaud the council people who also recognized this at the first go around and denied the application.”

Another resident, D. Cunningham, said the revised application did little to ease concerns.

“Last month I sent in an email to oppose the granting of the Paris Drinks Festival noise exemption. I have read the revised application that offers little change except a half an hour earlier finish time and a suggestion that the noise level could be adjusted. This slight change does NOT address my concerns. I live only 3 doors away from Syl Apps. The noise levels of the music were deafening last summer, even when I stayed indoors, with all my windows shut tightly,” Cunningham wrote.

Supporters, however, warned that denying the exemption could put the future of the festival at risk.

“Being a lifelong Paris resident, I don't see any other viable space in Paris that would be appropriate to host the event, and I fear that if they are not granted this exemption, the event will cease,” wrote Ellay Heys of the Flats. “In my opinion, ‘Paris Drinks Fest’ fits perfectly into the type of event that was desired — an event that provides both County residents and otherwise a space to express themselves while engaging with other local residents, businesses and artists.”

Julie Henwood pointed to the broader economic benefits of the festival.

“Paris Drinks Fest has quickly become a valued community event that brings together local vendors, small businesses, residents, and visitors from both within and outside the County of Brant,” she wrote. “The economic impact of the festival is meaningful — local restaurants, shops, accommodations, and service providers benefit from increased foot traffic and spending, while vendors gain exposure that extends well beyond the event weekend.”

Henwood acknowledged noise concerns but added, “Noise alone should not be a determining factor in denying the use of this location… These occasions are infrequent, temporary, and part of what gives our town its character and sense of shared experience.”

The Paris BIA also shared a letter of support noting the economic benefits of the festival that brings tourists to town, who explore the downtown. And while their initial visit might be limited, it’s that exposure to our community that brings them back again. 

Letters of support also came from outside the immediate neighbourhood, including the Canadian Live Music Association, which noted that municipalities across Canada are increasingly viewing festivals as economic and cultural assets.

Des Islets told council he met with Coun. Steve Howes on Dec. 20, which led to a number of agreed-upon concessions. He thanked residents who signed a community petition, launched by Moira Kenyon, that gathered around 2,000 signatures, as well as those who emailed councillors and the mayor.

Following the December decision, Des Islets said other municipalities expressed interest in hosting a rebranded version of the festival. “Communities are desperate over the last few years to have access to more events and we are grateful for their warm welcome,” he said. “But for time being we are determined to keep Paris Drinks Fest in Paris, which is why we are here tonight.”

“I respect the opinion of those who have complained about Paris Drinks Fest and we are determined to work together to reduce any inconvenience from this event,” he added, inviting residents to reach out to discuss concerns.

Among the proposed changes, Des Islets said amplified music would end earlier, at 10:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, instead of 11 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15. He emphasized the event is only a two-day festival, not a four-day festival as some people assumed when reading the details of the noise bylaw exemption application. The festival runs only on Friday and Saturday, with Thursday and Sunday used for setup, teardown and sound testing, which are included under the noise bylaw.

He also said the rental company will supply less powerful speakers that do not project sound as far, and that sound levels will continue to be monitored throughout the event, as in previous years. Des Islets noted the festival has never exceeded the limits set out in past noise exemption bylaws and has followed County of Brant guidelines. Options to relocate the stage were also being explored, subject to emergency access requirements.

Not all councillors were satisfied. Coun. John Bell said he was looking for more concrete solutions and did not believe a 15- or 30-minute reduction in programming went far enough. Bell proposed a series of amendments, including orienting the stage away from residences, setting a 75 dBA noise limit at the perimeter, mandatory monitoring with volume reductions if exceeded, and making noise levels publicly available. The amendments were not supported by council.

In the end, council voted 9–1 to grant the noise bylaw exemption, allowing the festival to proceed at Twin Rivers Stadium this summer.

In a social media post the following day, Des Islets thanked supporters, writing, “Your support through emails to Councillors, social posts, signing the petition, and sheer determination to keep Paris Drinks Fest in Paris has made this possible.”