West Kelowna officials are taking a closer look at safety and security plans for an upcoming concert by American musician Sean Feucht, citing increased public concern. The performance is set for August 23 at Memorial Park Amphitheatre, but the city says it is still evaluating whether the event meets the required safety standards.
Feucht, a Christian musician from the United States, is known for his outspoken support of the “Make America Great Again” movement and former US President Donald Trump. In 2020, he ran unsuccessfully as a Republican candidate for US Congress. He has faced criticism for his views on the LGBTQ+ community and his opposition to abortion, both of which have drawn significant backlash during his tours.
City staff said in a statement on Tuesday that they are reviewing the private booking’s safety and security arrangements. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is also involved in assessing the situation to ensure the safety of attendees and the wider public.
According to the city, when the booking was first made, only limited information was provided by the event organizer. Officials now say the organizer must meet all necessary security and public safety requirements before the concert can proceed. These steps include providing detailed plans for crowd management, emergency response, and coordination with local authorities.
Concerns about Feucht’s Canadian tour have grown in recent weeks. Last week, six of his planned shows in Central and Eastern Canada were cancelled following public criticism and disagreements over venue use. Organizers in those cities cited safety issues and community opposition as factors in their decisions.
The August 23 West Kelowna concert is part of Feucht’s ongoing Canadian tour. His schedule also includes a planned performance at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford on August 24. Officials in Abbotsford confirmed they are reviewing the special events permit for that show, with a focus on security arrangements and compliance with local regulations.
In previous public appearances, Feucht has attracted both supporters and protesters. His concerts often mix religious music with political messaging, something critics say can create tension in public spaces. Local authorities in several Canadian cities have expressed concern that the combination of large crowds, controversial political views, and insufficient preparation could increase the risk of disturbances.
West Kelowna’s review process aims to balance the right to host lawful events with the responsibility to ensure public safety. City staff emphasized that they are not cancelling the concert at this stage but are working to verify that all necessary safety protocols are in place. This includes working with the RCMP, emergency services, and the event’s private security team to prepare for possible scenarios during the gathering.
Feucht’s supporters describe his concerts as peaceful gatherings of worship and community. They argue that his message is one of faith and freedom, and that opposition to his performances is an attempt to silence his beliefs. However, critics point to past events where protests have occurred, saying that without strict planning, such situations could escalate.
Local officials in both West Kelowna and Abbotsford have stated that public safety remains their top priority. Decisions on the concerts will be based on detailed risk assessments, coordination with police, and confirmation that all event requirements are fully met.
For now, ticket holders and residents will have to wait for updates from the cities as they finalize their reviews. Whether the August concerts go ahead as planned will depend on whether organizers can address the safety concerns raised by authorities and the public.
