Camp Fortune won't host large events like 'Spookland' Halloween party
Camp Fortune Ski Resort says it will no longer host large events similar to the “Spookland” Halloween party that led to multiple hospitalizations and allegations of sexual assault.
The western Quebec resort, located on the edge of Gatineau Park, has recently hosted after-prom parties involving multiple schools in the Ottawa area that continue to grow in size.
Peter Sudermann, the co-owner and manager of Camp Fortune, said the resort echoes the sentiment from nearby Mont Cascades Ski Resort & Water Park, which hosted the massive Halloween event last Friday.
About 1,000 people attended the private party, a licensed event with five DJs and three dance floors, aimed at people between the ages of 16 and 21, according to the party’s Facebook page.
On Monday, Mont Cascades general manager Luc Desormeaux said he regretted any association with the fallout of the event.
He added his Cantley Que., resort is a "sports and family resort" and it won’t host any more large events.
"We have decided to put an end to this type of agreement … We work hard to offer a valuable experience to our guests. So, in order to make sure it doesn’t happen again, we are taking bold steps," read a statement from Desormeaux.
Camp Fortune hosted after-prom parties
On Tuesday, Sudermann said Camp Fortune would only hold smaller parties in the future to prevent issues like those that happened at Mont Cascades on Halloween night.
For example, he said the resort would focus on hosting both proms and their after-parties involving just one school.
"It’ll be a little more selective, not having numerous schools pile in at the same time, which I think has been the practice in the past," Sudermann said, "It becomes a more controlled, and I think more enjoyable and memorable event for those that will be attending."
Sudermann said he doesn’t want any more large open events that could lead to more issues with drug and alcohol abuse and use.
"What happened at Mont Cascades was just an accident waiting to happen. It happened there, unfortunately, and I don’t want to see that happening here," he added.
"We want to put forward a good, safe, fun family environment."
Sudermann did say he has never had an issue with the “Spookland” party organizer called I’m With the DJ, or any other promoters.
Last spring, 18-year-old Brandon Volpi was stabbed and killed outside an Ottawa hotel at a large after-prom party, which followed the prom party at Camp Fortune. The party included students from three rival Catholic high schools including Volpi’s alma mater, St. Patrick’s, as well as St. Pius X and St. Joseph’s.
