Green light for buskers

Green light for buskers

by Paul J. Henderso, chilliwacktimes.com
May 5th 2011

Break out your accordian, your juggling balls or your tap-dancing shoes, the City of Chilliwack is looking for buskers.

City council approved a pilot street entertainer program for 2011 at its Monday meeting.

The program was presented to council by Carolyn Marleau from the city's Parks, Recreation & Culture Department.

"The city has been approached by a number of individuals interested in offering busking or street entertainment,"

Marleau said, adding the department decided it was a good idea to set up a formal program.

The pilot program approved by council would see potential buskers pay a $40 fee after which they would conduct a two- to five-minute audition for a selection review committee made up of a city staff member, a representative from the Downtown Chilliwack BIA and a Chilliwack Cultural Centre stakeholder.

The pilot program is planned for three locations downtown: Central Community Park, Salish Park and the Clock Tower Plaza. More locations could be added later.

Similar programs exist in Kelowna, Vancouver, Nanaimo, New Westminster and Victoria, in addition to specific programs on Granville Island in Vancouver and BC Transit.

Marleau differentiated between panhandling and busking--the latter involves a person doing things such as playing an instrument, singing, dancing or juggling, but they may not directly solicit fees from those watching.

Some of the benefits of the program outlined by Morneau include helping foot traffic in neglected areas and surrounding businesses as well as introducing "a variety of cultural and entertainment experiences."

The street entertainment will be permitted to operate from April 1 to Sept. 30, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Coun. Stewart McLean asked about performances near residential areas that might be disruptive as late as 10 p.m. Marleau explained that amplification will not be permitted without a special exemption and the city's noise bylaw does not come into effect until 11 p.m.



Original Page: http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/Green+light+buskers/4731885/story.html

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