CORRECTION: PRRD defers decision on temporary use permit for Extreme Mudfest

CORRECTION: The original version of this article stated that the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board approved a temporary use permit during their April 4th board meeting, which is incorrect. The board received the information on the permit for discussion and deferred – no decision was made.

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board deferred making a decision on a temporary use permit during their April 4th meeting for Extreme Mudfest to be brought to the region.

The permit proponent is attending the April 18th district meeting in Fort St. John, where the application will be considered.

Extreme Mudfest has grown into the largest mud and music festival in Canada. The event offers activities such as nightly performances, bull-riding, after-hours parties, a slow-pitch softball tournament, an extreme mud run for charity, and more.  

Extreme Mudfest, at its current location in Cold Lake, Alberta, is scheduled from August 14th to 19th, 2024.

According to a report to the board, the festival would be held over four days annually over the next three years. The proposed site for the festival is about 6.2 kilometres southeast of Pouce Coupe and three kilometres northeast of the Old Edmonton Highway.

Structures that would be built on the property for the event include bars, a stage, public seating, a box office and general camping sites.

According to the board, the event would bring in people from outside the region and benefit surrounding areas and the region economically. 

“Extreme Mudfest is a great community event that draws a large amount of tourism, not only from the racers but from the fans as well. The festival’s initial location in Cold Lake, Alberta, welcomes 70 per cent of its attendees outside of a 50km radius, ” said the report, noting that it is a family-friendly event.

During the board meeting, residents raised concerns in person and in writing, saying they would not like to see the event go forward due to an increased risk of noise, wildfires, pollution, and crime. 

“Late-night noise and partying will be disruptive to our quiet rural lifestyle,” a resident wrote to council.  

The resident also said the large water usage needed for the event would be irresponsible amid the region’s drought conditions. 

“The extreme drought conditions currently exist in our area, making it irresponsible to host an event that uses substantial amounts of water to create mud for entertainment.”

Another resident also raised concerns about the farmland that can be affected by the festival. 

Another letter to the council stated, “Water for the mud bog itself will have to be hauled or accessed in some way. Our limited water supply would be better used to provide water for farming, etc.” 

The report says staff have noted that disturbances may be anticipated for the event but would only be for a short duration. 

The full report can be viewed below: