The Editor:
I'd like to provide a counter-argument to Duncan Strong's letter of July 18 (Letter: Pets should be allowed at Ribfest in Port Moody, tricitynews.com, July 18, 2022).
Firstly, it's very unfortunate that Mr. Strong had an experience with frontline staff he described as "rude and condescending."
I can only speak to my own experiences at the last three Ribfests and say that I've encountered largely cordial and helpful volunteers.
I'm not sure why Mr. Strong has an issue with why dogs weren't allowed inside Ribfest. According to the provincial Public Health Act - Food Premises Regulation, "an operator of food premises must not permit live animals to be on the premises."
If this regulation applies to the Ribfest vendors or the festival itself, then they were operating properly and with the public's health and safety in mind.
I don't know Mr. Strong, but I would hope that he would take exception to a dog in close proximity to him at the grocery store as he ordered something from the butcher.
I don't see how Ribfest could — or should — make an exception.
Additionally, a quick read of the Ribfest FAQ indicates that, among other rules for outside beverages and bag checks, dogs were not permitted inside (perhaps as a condition of the festival's operating license or insurance, who knows), so it's regrettable that Mr. Strong didn't familiarize himself with the festival rules prior to queuing up.
Personally, I found it refreshing to enjoy my meal without worrying about whether or not a dog nearby would break free from its owner and nick our food (dogs don't have a taste for meat by chance, do they? :) or relieve themselves where festival goers were eating.
As far as Mr. Strong characterizing Ribfest as part of a "takeover of our community amenities," I find that to be a heavy-handed generalization of a City of Port Moody-sponsored festival using a portion of Rocky Point Park for three days out of the year; the pier, the east side of the park and the leash-off area, were all still open and available to dogs and their owners during Ribfest.
I contend that the Ribfest in its current form is well-run, is as inclusive as health standards will allow and was the reminder of a return to normality many of us needed after a three-year hiatus.
Pete Debay
Port Moody
(Disclaimer: I'm in no way affiliated with Ribfest.)
