The Benchlands Folk Festival returns to Benchlands Lookout Park on the second weekend of August, and the City of Wrenford is sharing updated parking and access plans for the event. Road closures, temporary parking lots, and shuttle service changes will be in place to manage the large number of visitors expected in the area.
Benchlands Drive will be closed to through traffic on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Residents and businesses in the immediate area will still have access, but they must display a temporary festival parking pass or show proof of residence. Visitors should plan to park at the newly designated overflow lots along Ambrel Lake Road and use the free festival shuttle to reach the park entrance. The shuttle will run every fifteen minutes from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on both days.
Please review the updated street parking restrictions map and plan your route ahead of time. If you need a temporary festival parking pass, you can apply online through the Roads & Winter Maintenance portal by the end of July. Keep in mind that the City does not provide free street parking for festival visitors outside the designated zones.
"Managing traffic around Benchlands Lookout Park requires careful planning and clear communication with our neighbours," said James Whitford, Roads Superintendent. "We appreciate residents and visitors following the signage and using the shuttle service so we can keep the area safe and accessible for everyone."
For more information on how the City manages traffic during large events, or to report a road concern, visit the Roads & Winter Maintenance page.
