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Controversial event near Chief Island cancelled, according to Facebook update

Boats and Ropes, set to begin today, drew the ire of Rama First Nation; some posts on Facebook indicate people will still gather in area
2020-08-07 Boats and Ropes
Facebook post indicating Boats and Ropes has been cancelled.

A controversial event that was set to take place this weekend near Chief Island in Lake Couchiching has been cancelled, according to an update on its Facebook page.

Boats and Ropes, initially dubbed Boats and Hearts, was advertised as a three-day “live music protest” featuring a DJ and live performances from musicians. It was set to begin today at noon. Around that time, the organizer posted an update, saying the event had been cancelled.

The organizer, Brian Denena, has not responded to requests for comment.

The cancellation will likely be welcomed by Rama First Nation, which issued a news release July 30 demanding it be called off.

“We have been aware that many boaters have been gathering and enjoying this beautiful spot over the years. There has been an unwritten understanding for people to stay off our sacred lands,” the release stated.

“We know there are some visitors who have no respect for private property or Mother Earth. As a means to curb the trespassing, we have encouraged our members to occupy the space by utilizing the cabins on the island to deter guests in the bay.”

It went on to read Boats and Ropes “has become a tipping point for Rama First Nation.”

“It is clear from the many responses we are getting from our members that Chief Island cannot continue to be used this way.”

The organizer had indicated attendees would not step foot on the island.

Orillia OPP issued a news release Thursday, noting it and other police services would be partnering “to patrol local waterways, including Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, this weekend.”

Const. Ted Dongelmans acknowledged Friday the release was “a response to this planned event.”

“Yes, we will be paying special attention to Chief Island this weekend,” he said, adding police would be “looking for the usual marine safety issues, the Canada Shipping Act, Liquor Licence Act, etc., as well as the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act violations. 

He said OPP “has been attempting to contact the organizer and he has not returned our calls.”

Dongelmans also said police were “concerned with the potential for a large gathering and lack of physical distancing from attendees there.”

A description of the event on Facebook stated, “To my dear Rama residents, we do this every weekend and you know it, I’m not sure what the issue is ...”

Some comments posted in response to it being cancelled indicated people will still gather near the island this weekend. Even the organizer, commenting on the post about it being cancelled, wrote, “Is it though …” followed by a ‘wink’ emoji.