Halifax allocates $100,000 for mystery rock concert

Halifax municipal council voted Tuesdayevening to spend $100,000 on a rock concert set forSept. 23, but the performers still haven't been named.

So the Rolling Stones, rumoured headliners for the outdoor event at the Halifax Common, may — or may not — make an appearance.

"You don't want to disclose your hand fully with your negotiators with regards to the possible outcomes of these negotiations," said Mayor Peter Kelly.

But he did confirm thatthe city'sWorld Trade and Convention Centre is talking to Donald K. Donald Promotions of Montreal, whoorganizedthe Stones concert in Moncton lastSeptember.

The $100,000set aside by council will pay for extra policing and cleanup.

Council met in a closed session, which angered two councillors who said the talks should have been open to the public because taxpayers are paying.

"I feel they should know the ins and outs," said Coun. Gloria McCluskey.

Moncton was left with a bill of more than $670,000 after the Stones played at Magnetic Hill — their first concert in Atlantic Canada — before an estimated crowd of 80,000.

Still, Coun. Steve Streatch said hosting a concert of this scale is a great opportunity for Halifax.

"You only have to look at the spinoffs for the local people, whether it be opportunities to have people camping in their yards or taking rooms they have to let or concessions or labour," he said.

Kelly said any concert announcement will have to come from thepromoters, not the Halifax Regional Municipality.