City of Pickering Update on Haunting of Hexwood Event

Pickering, ON, October 6, 2023 - The City has released an important update regarding the Haunting of Hexwood event, that was planned for October 2023 in the film backlot located in Pickering.

Due to the City’s health and safety concerns regarding the original indoor event plans that could not be adequately addressed, the event organizers have recently applied to hold an outdoor experience for the Haunting of Hexwood event instead. This fundamental change from their original event plan, which would have seen thousands of visitors going in and out of film sets, means that stringent building code and occupancy requirements for use of the set interior would no longer apply.

However, outdoor events still have considerable health and safety considerations including fire prevention planning, emergency response plans, crowd control, security, first-aid and medical services, accessibility, and electrical safety, to name a few. As such, Pickering Fire Services has conducted an extensive review of the revised, outdoor event plan, and its assessment indicates that the event plan’s safety measures ensure the health and well-being of all event attendees.

In light of this, the City of Pickering is now granting permission for the Haunting of Hexwood experience to proceed. We believe that this reimagined outdoor event, and its embedded health and safety measures, will create a safe and secure Halloween experience for all visitors and participants.

The event is expected to run from October 13^th to November 5^th, 2023. Updated details will be posted to the event organizer’s website: www.hauntingofhexwood.ca/.

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 100,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.