Shania Twain: the concert of the season?

Re: Twain concert will open new site, March 5.

I remember it was June 2005 and Ottawa had just been offered the opportunity to host a Live8 concert on Parliament Hill. At the time, concert organizers were looking for a Canadian site for the July 2 booking in order to match a co-ordinated effort with other cities around the world. Ottawa bowed out; not enough time, it was stated and the venue, Parliament Hill, was deemed not suitable. Barrie stepped in. Unfortunately, no alternative local site was considered suitable and the city that fun forgot lost a golden opportunity for world recognition as a collaborative team player on that widely recognized and vibrant music scene.

In a letter to the editor, I expressed my disappointment regarding Ottawa’s missed opportunity and suggested that a longstanding site should be considered for such a venture, namely the Equestrian Park and adjacent property. At that time the park was used for only a brief two weeks during midsummer for equestrian events. With its vast open spaces that can accommodate large numbers of spectators and easy access from local roads, the area appeared perfect for a concert or perhaps to be sold to an enterprising entrepreneur for a small theme park. Much later the park was up for sale.

Terry Matthews later bought the property. He recognized its potential, believing there was a future in the property. That future is now. Shania Twain fans and Ottawa will undoubtedly benefit from her tour’s only outdoor show at the newly redeveloped Nepean equestrian facility, Wesley Clover Parks, which could be the concert of the season. Monica Duguid, Stittsville