Line Spike And The Loss Of Community

Name Withheld By Request | Jul 10, 2025

Over the past week and a half, I’ve witnessed something in our community that I never imagined I would see. The catalyst was a music festival that, according to its organizer, was meant to promote “the power of positivity,” bring people together, and encourage love for one another. To say it failed to do so would be a dramatic understatement.

I have read the Township’s two public statements, the multiple one sided articles quoting the organizer, and his own social media posts blaming the Township and one individual for the loss of his liquor license. It is deeply disheartening to see so many people believe and repeat the misinformation being pushed by Mr. Campbell without applying any critical thinking.

The suggestion that the Township arbitrarily pulled the event’s designation without probable cause is absurd. Supporting someone who uses misinformation, personal attacks, and public outrage to generate attention is disturbing. To invoke his personal battle with cancer as a way to stir up anger and resentment toward a specific individual is not only shameful—it’s manipulative. Directing that anger toward the Township’s top official—who didn’t make the decision, but was simply the one tasked with communicating it—is not an act of positivity. It’s an act of hatred and bullying, and it goes against everything this event claimed to represent.

But even worse than Mr. Campbell’s rhetoric is what I’ve seen happen between neighbours. I have personally lost faith in many of my fellow residents in this Township. This is a community that I’ve seen come together in times of need—regardless of background, politics, or beliefs—to support people. Whether it was rallying behind the kind young woman at Sydenham One Stop, helping families who lost homes to fires, or mourning with those affected by tragic accidents on our lakes and roads, we’ve always come together before. That spirit seems to be fading.

Mr. Campbell’s own documentation and communications with the Township—according to their public statement—anticipated attendance of up to 20,000 people, which he touted as an economic windfall. In reality, attendance over the two days was under 5,000. That shortfall had nothing to do with the loss of a liquor license. Maybe the music lineup didn’t appeal to a wide enough audience. Maybe the remote location, limited accommodations, or lack of public transportation were barriers. Or maybe it was something else entirely. But it certainly wasn’t because +/-4,000 people couldn’t buy overpriced liquor.

I too would have loved to see a two-day music festival that truly brought people together and boosted the local economy. If this event is to go forward again, I hope Mr. Campbell will take responsibility for the event’s mediocre performance. More importantly, I hope he will stop spreading misinformation and fueling anger just for more online engagement.

I have asked that my name be withheld because I’ve seen neighbours turning on one another, manipulated by false narratives. I’ve asked for anonymity to protect my daughter—who goes to school with your children—my son—who serves you through a local business—and my wife and I, who volunteer in the community. We do this because we love this place and want to make it better, not to be targeted for speaking truth. I’ve asked for my name to be withheld because tomorrow, I will still spend my money at your small business, and I don’t want to lose more faith in a community I still care deeply about.

Jeremy… you can do better. We all can.

With hope, positivity, and love for my neighbour,
Name Withheld