Statement

Mayor Peter Kelly issued the following statement today regarding the decision by the promoter to cancel the Celine Dion concert scheduled for the Halifax Commons on August 23, 2008.

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(Friday, November 16, 2007) - Naturally, we are disappointed with the decision by Gillette Entertainment to cancel the Halifax date for the Celine Dion concert tour next year.

Regional Council and I believed the concert was a definite go and we had instructed staff to work with Events Halifax to execute a final agreement. That has now changed.

It is unfortunate, but that sometimes is the nature of the entertainment business. We are not always privy to the reasoning behind the decisions of entertainers or promoters not to proceed with their plans. That is their prerogative.

As we said several weeks ago, there are other proposals for other concerts on the Commons next summer. It is our intention to continue our due diligence regarding these proposals and hopefully, to reach agreements with the promoters soon.

We believe we have one of the finest outdoor concert venues in the country, and I am confident there will be concerts on the Commons next summer. We will continue to move forward.

Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010