Syrian refugees bumped from overbooked hotels for Garth Brooks fans

HAMILTON – An influx of Garth Brooks fans to Hamilton is temporarily pushing some Syrian refugee families out.

Various local media reports say more than 200 Syrian refugees were bumped from their accommodations at downtown Hamilton hotels to make way for thousands of Brooks fans who already booked rooms.

The country music legend is playing a series of concerts in the city Thursday through Sunday night.

Reports say the refugees were shuttled to St. Catharines — about 55 kilometres away — to stay at another hotel for the duration of the shows.

Wesley Urban Ministries handles the reception of some government-assisted refugees, helping them find places to stay as they search for permanent housing in the region.

Requests for comment to Wesley Urban Ministries were not returned on Thursday. Both the office of Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger and management for Brooks also didn’t respond to questions.

Brooks rolls into Hamilton on Thursday night as part of a global comeback tour launched in late 2014. It’s the first time he’s played the city in nearly 20 years.

Five shows are scheduled over four days at the FirstOntario Centre.

The first Hamilton show sold out within 45 minutes after tickets went on sale in January. Promoters quickly announced four additional shows, including a second performance on Saturday night.

Many of the hotel rooms were booked around that time.

Brooks is one of country’s most endearing stars with hit singles like “Friends in Low Places” and “Thunder Rolls.”

His wife Trisha Yearwood, whose most popular songs include “How Do I Live” and “Georgia Rain,” will also take the stage to perform.

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