Mandatory Reading: Please read this orientation manual in full, as it is subject to yearly revisions.

About Bass Coast

Dates: July 11 - 14, 2025.

Location: In Merritt, B.C. on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

Mission statement: An Innovative Creative Experience. Core values are respect, integrity, care, and accountability. We encourage you to integrate these values into your role at Bass Coast.

About Merritt

Please take time to learn about the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

Explore these short videos to learn more and hear the correct pronunciation:

We Are Nlaka'pamux 

Syilx Language House Info Video

Merritt is 270 km northeast of Vancouver. Learn more: About Merritt

Mandatory Bass Coast Training Videos & Quiz

Bass Coast training videos feature key topics: cultural appropriation, consent, harassment, local knowledge and more.

• Notification sent if new videos are added.
• Bass Coast tracks quiz submissions for participation. 

Review: Bass Coast 2025 Team Education Series

Password: Coldwater2025

Test Your Knowledge: Take the Quiz for 2025

Supply and Signage Requests

• Managers must submit all Supply Center Inventory Requests by April 1. 
• Instructions are in the Department DS  on the “SUPPLY & SIGNAGE” and “HOW-TO” tabs. 
• Contact Anna (Production Manager) or Jenn (Production Manager Assistant) for a demo.
• Post-show, all managers must complete closing Supply Inventory and Signage counts prior to collecting payment.

Email Communication Expectations

• Respond to emails within 24 hours.
• Always use  "Reply All".

LIMITED INTERNET ACCESS

Bass Coast Coordinates: 50°05'24.0"N 120°47'43.9"W

Public access wifi is not available.

ROGERS NETWORK has coverage throughout most of the festival grounds. Phone calls and texts should work. However, data speeds may be slower due to high usage.

TELUS NETWORK is very spotty and does not work in most areas on the festival grounds. In past years, Telus provided a cell booster at Bass Coast, but this service was discontinued last year, and they will not be restoring service. 

Although every service can have its challenges, we have experienced good performance with devices connected to the Rogers network or portable satellite options such as Starlink.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, Bass Coast will not be providing lanyards. Please bring a reusable lanyard or choose another secure method to carry your accreditation. Thank you for supporting our efforts to reduce waste.

Team Passes

• Bring one government-issued ID.
• You will receive a QR code for accreditation by email prior to the festival.
• Go directly to the Staff Gate to check in and get parking/accreditation. 
• If arriving after hours, check in before your first shift to pick up accreditation.
• Accreditation and parking passes will be mandatory beginning Sat. June 28, 2025.

Arrival Expectations

• Arrive the night before your shift, no earlier.
• Notify anna@basscoast.ca if you are unable to arrive on time.

Staff Gate Entry

Staff Gate is 1km past Moon Shadows Campground at 1145 Neilson St, Merritt, BC. 

Drive slowly on the dirt road: 15 km max. to reduce dust for residents. 

Accreditation is only available at the Staff Gate. Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

GATE HOURS

Sun. June 29 - Tue July 1:

• MAIN OFFICE: 7:30AM - 10:30PM

Wed. July 2 - Sat. July 5:

• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 6PM
• MAIN OFFICE: 6PM - 10PM

Sun. July 6 - Tue. July 10:

• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)

Wed. July 9:

• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)

Thurs. July 10:

• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)

Fri. July 11:

• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)

Sat. July 12:

• STAFF GATE: 9AM - 10PM

Sun. July 13:

• STAFF GATE: 9AM - 5PM

Mon. July 14: 

• STAFF GATE: CLOSED

Arriving with GA Ticket Holders

General Admission GA may arrive no earlier than the date specified on their ticket. No exceptions.

• Wed. July 9: Requires a Wed/Thurs Early Entry + GA
• Thurs. July 10: Requires a Thurs Early Entry + GA
• Fri. July 11: Requires GA

To purchase: Wednesday + Thursday or Thursday Early Entry tickets

Enviro Vehicle Pass

Team, volunteers, and suppliers will receive an Enviro Vehicle Pass upon check-in.

Production Forest Parking

Applications for parking in the Production Forest Camp will be sent to those pre-approved to camp in this area. 

Production Forest Camp vehicles must:

• Enter before Wed. July 9 at 12 PM.
• Display the provided Production Forest Parking Pass, which will be issued at the Staff Gate upon check-in.
• Remain in place, as 'ins & outs' are not allowed between July 9 at 12 PM and July 14 at 10 AM.

Vehicles not assigned to Production Forest Camp:

• Will park in the designated Production Parking area.
• Any vehicle in the Production Forest Camp without a valid parking pass after 10 AM on Wed. July 9 will be towed.

Production Forest Camping 

Location: behind Cabin and Slay Bay Stages.

• Available only for those assigned Production Forest Camp in your contract.
• Production Forest Camp is a walk-in camping area unless a Production Forest Parking Pass has been approved. 
• Applications for Production Forest Camp parking will be emailed to those assigned to camp there.

Production Forest Shared Accommodations

If you wish to have your partner join you in Production Forest Camp and they possess a different accreditation, you will be sent a form closer to the festival.

Camping in General Admission

Wed. July 9: There is no ‘skip the line.’
Thurs. July 10: Anyone with accreditation can ‘skip the line’ after 11 AM.

GA camping access details for Wed. July 9: 

• 12 PM: GA campsites open to patrons.
• 1 PM: Team, volunteers, and suppliers who want to move to GA camping can enter the GA lineup at Main Gate.
• DO NOT relocate your camp during your shift as it will count as a missed shift.

Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

Packing List & Festival Amenities

Reusable water bottles - Free water is available on-site. Bring a personal reusable water bottle. Glass of any kind is not permitted.

Food vendors - From Thurs. July 10, to Sun. July 13, healthy food vendors and bars are open on-site.

Appropriate shoes and clothing - The terrain and weather can vary; consider water or river shoes and waterproof clothing. Steel toes are required for stage-build teams and are recommended for all team members.

Camping gear - Bring headlamps/flashlights, sunscreen, bug spray, and prepare for all weather conditions.

Camping -  It can be extremely windy. Please ensure all tents are secured with rebar and fasten loose items securely. 

Accessibility - Please refer to updated information at Bass Coast Accessibility

Fire ban - No fires, fireworks, open flames, or grills are allowed. Camp stoves are acceptable.

Cash and credit - ATMs will be available on-site during festival days. Bars, ice, showers, and the general store are cashless. Individual vendors may accept cash or cards.

Showers - There are two shower locations on-site; all team members will have access to showers in Campground B. Updated locations will be provided on-site, and shower access details are included in your contract.

Shower prices: 

• Team members: $5 
• General Admission: $9 

Show your wristband to the shower team to receive the reduced price. 

HOURS OF OPERATION

• Tues. July 8 - Sun. July 13: 9AM - 7PM
• Mon. July 14: 9AM - 4PM

Please clean up after yourself and limit your showers to 5 minutes. It is costly to pump the tank.

Weather at Bass Coast

Prepare for all weather. 

• Temperature and weather conditions can change dramatically. 

Bass Coast is a camping festival. 

• Ensure your equipment withstands the elements, providing the comfort needed for active team participation.
• Secure your camp with rebar; the wind can gust upwards of 80kms.

Team Meals & Food Options

Team meals are served at the team kitchen per contracted terms. To enjoy these meals efficiently, here are some guidelines:

• Bring your personal plate, bowl, cutlery, reusable water bottle, and mug.Potable water and coffee are available while on shift.
• No disposable plastic water bottles will be sold on-site, and glass bottles are not permitted. Learn more: First Timers Guide and Festival FAQs

Access the Team Meal QR Code by completing the Team Information Collection form. Follow these steps for seamless use:

• The QR code is sent via email with the subject line '2025 Bass Coast Team Meal QR Code.'
• Save the QR code on your phone for on-site redemption.
• Ensure visibility of both the QR code and your full name in screenshots.

MEAL TIMES

• Breakfast: 7am - 9am; Dinner: 5pm - 8pm (allocated times for certain teams during the busy days, exact TBD)

Food vendors are open from Thurs. July 10, to Sun. July 13. Reusable containers and mugs can be used at food vendors and are highly encouraged.

Packing Checklist

• Headlamps/flashlights
• Appropriate shoes (running or hiking shoes - terrain is uneven)
• Water or river shoes 
• Bankcard or cash (there are ATMS on site)
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Fresh socks for every day
• Water bottle
• Coffee mug
• Plates and utensils
• Warm clothes for night
• Camp chair
• Recycling system for your camp
• Bike (if camping far from the stages)
• Snacks for camp

Clear Expectations

PLEASE DO:

• READ the Code of Conduct and our general Festival FAQs to familiarise yourself with team expectations.
• Read the Volunteer Welcome Package (soon to be updated for 2025) to know what we expect of volunteers.

For the duration of your time on-site, you are a representative of Bass Coast. 

• Arrive rested, clear, and sober for every shift. 
• Be friendly, upbeat, and engaged. 

Perform your team duties effectively and assist others when needed. Take responsibility for your health and well-being to perform your responsibilities successfully and effectively.

PLEASE DON'T:

• Use profanity.
• Play on your phone for extended periods.
• Come late or leave early for your assigned team duties.
• Chat too long with friends whilst performing your assigned duties.

Bass Coast ETHOS

Please familiarise yourself with the ethos of Bass Coast: 

HARM REDUCTION

CULTURAL RESPECT

SUSTAINABILITY

TOWARDS EQUITY

HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT POLICY

USEFUL CONTACTS and MAPS FOR TEAM MEMBERS

Prepare for your shift

• Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and clothes for changing weather.
• Be self-sufficient while on shift.

Team members must wear tops, bottoms, and closed-toed shoes while working. A high visibility vest, steel toed boots and hard hats may be necessary if you are working in and around machinery or at heights. Please bring your own safety wear. 

PPE Guidelines & Policy

Team members are required to adhere to specific PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and clothing guidelines to ensure workplace safety. Please bring the required PPE listed below as it relates to your team. 

General Dress Code: Wear tops, bottoms, and closed-toed shoes at all times during work hours.

PPE Essentials: Bring hearing protection, goggles, gloves, hard hats, high visibility apparel, weather-appropriate attire, and other task-specific PPE items.

• Hearing Protection: Bring earplugs or earmuffs to prevent hearing damage and enjoy the festival safely.
• High-Visibility Apparel: Reflective vests, jackets, or shirts enhance visibility, particularly in low-light or high-traffic areas.
• Weather-Appropriate Attire: Dress in weather-appropriate attire to ensure comfort and safety. Consider factors such as extreme high and low temperatures, rain, or other environmental conditions.

Additional PPE Requirements: In certain work environments, the following PPE is mandatory:

• High Visibility Vest: Necessary if working in and around machinery, at heights, and or in low-light or high-traffic areas. 
• Steel-toed boots: Necessary if working in and around machinery or at heights. 
• Hard Hats: Mandatory in designated areas for head protection.
• Fall Protection Harness: Mandatory use of safety harnesses and fall protection systems is required when working at heights to prevent falls and minimise the risk of serious injuries.

Attendance Policy & Accountability Guidelines

Communication Protocol:

• Notify your direct report and Anna (Production Manager) promptly about any anticipated delays, schedule interruptions, or missed shifts.
• This includes transportation issues and changes to your travel plans.

Punctuality and Presence:

• Team members must be on time, present, and SOBER for their responsibilities.
• Maintaining sobriety during your shift is non-negotiable.
• Failure to meet these criteria may result in being relieved from team duties and or asked to leave the festival.
• In your absence, another team member may need to assume your responsibilities.

Daily Records Standard Practice:

• Utilise the DAILY LOG FORM for real-time recording of daily tasks and your experiences during shift. 
• Your daily log will serve as a valuable resource for completing the post-festival debrief form.

Stay informed, remain punctual, and ensure effective communication for a successful team experience.

Festival safety is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of your team. We all contribute to harm reduction, being the eyes and ears of the festival.

LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER

• Take care of yourself and each other.
• Remind people to take breaks, stay hydrated, and come by the Harm Reduction space for a break as needed.

HARM REDUCTION SERVICES

• Open to patrons and everyone involved in the festival.
• Judgement-free access to supplies and a welcoming space in the Harm Reduction area.

SUPPORT FOR NON-MEDICAL DISTRESS

• If someone shows signs of non-medical distress (anxiety, looking lost or upset), please walk them to Harm Reduction.

HARM REDUCTION LOCATION 

• On the path to Slay Bay as you enter the forest. It’s a large space that can’t be missed.

Consent Culture

We all share the responsibility of promoting consent culture.

Checking in on someone who seems uncomfortable is simple:

• “Hey! I’m Sam, and it’s my responsibility to ensure everyone feels good all weekend. Are both of you alright? Can I help you with anything?”

ADDRESSING CREEPY VIBES

Don’t hesitate to involve security in addressing any uncomfortable situations. Security is there to help.

Reporting Responsibilities

Bass Coast team and volunteers are required to immediately report to Bass Coast security personnel any incidents of:

• Violence
• Threatened violence
• Harassment
• Risk of harm

REES ONLINE REPORTING

Bass Coast has partnered with REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors) to provide online reporting for unwanted sexualized behaviours. REES allows festival-goers, performers, staff and volunteers to Create a Record of the incident and share it with festival organisers. 

To submit a report: Bass Coast x REES Online Reporting 

For all other consent and festival safety-related inquiries, please contact Consent@basscoast.ca, we will respond to you within 14 days.

First Aid Assistance

IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE PROTOCOL

If you observe someone requiring medical attention, immediately locate an individual with a radio.

Security members are all equipped with radios.

Team members equipped with radios are stationed at:

• Camp A, B, C, and Ventura outposts, 
• Harm Reduction lifeguard chairs (back of each dance floor), 
• Merch Store, 
• Volunteer Centre,
• Bar Managers, or
• all festival gates.

PROMPT RESPONSE ASSURANCE

• First Aid teams are mobilised swiftly to provide assistance upon receiving the call.

How to Call for First Aid & Manage Medical Distress

Ensure you provide First Aid with the three most important pieces of information they need: 

• Who you are 
• Where you are
• What is happening (keep it simple i.e. “I am with an unconscious patient”)

The First Aid l team will move quickly to help you, once you call for their assistance. The following are some basic steps that can help you while First Aid arrives at your location.

Basic First Aid

ASSESS: Evaluate the patient's condition. Check for breathing, pulse, and responsiveness or unresponsiveness to pain stimulus. If unconscious, do not hesitate to apply a second stimulus attempt to rouse the patient.

REPORT: Immediately communicate the incident to First Aid, providing key information:

• Who you are
• Where you are
• What has happened or is happening

AIRWAY: Ensure the airway is open.

CPR ADMINISTRATION: Administer CPR if necessary until medics arrive. Do not administer any medications of any kind to the patient without notifying First Aid.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION PROTOCOL

• Only if the patient is conscious and can instruct you to help them take life-saving medications (e.g. EpiPen)
• Always notify First Aid of any medication administration.

Naloxone / Narcan FAQ

NALOXONE TRAINING OVERVIEW

• Many team members and volunteers are trained in administering Naloxone.
• Formal training for additional teams will not be provided on-site.

NALOXONE PLACEMENT

• Naloxone is strategically placed around the festival site that First Aid can administer if appropriate. 

SCOPE OF USE

• Naloxone (Narcan) is specifically for opioid overdoses only: fentanyl, heroin, or codeine.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• In the case of an overdose, the First Aid team will be on the scene within minutes.
• Immediate action is to open the patient's airway and assist with rescue breathing if necessary.

Administering rescue breaths is the primary action for opioid overdoses.

See details in the BASIC FIRST AID section above.

Fire Safety

If you see a fire:

1. Inform Security, First Aid or any team member with a radio.
2. Give as much info as possible on the location and what is burning.
3. FIGHT the fire ONLY if it is small and you are able to.
4. Evacuate all guests and patrons in immediate danger to a safe location. (200 ft away)
5. Help people requiring assistance
6. Proceed to a safe area and wait for the fire response team.

Bass Coast has a recovery and evacuation plan. Should the area require evacuation, our trained team members will give you instructions on what to do in case an event of this nature occurs. 

Bass Coast takes place in a very dry climate. We need your help to prevent fires. Please dispose of cigarettes in designated bins and encourage your community to do the same. Pocket ashtrays are available at the Bass Coast Merch Store.

Location: Near the Food Vendors closer to the Bridge

Access: Both in-house members and patrons can drop off or claim lost items. 

Hours of Operation: Thurs. July 10 to Mon. July 14 from 10 AM - 5:30 PM

Limitations: Cannot retain or store large items. 

Unclaimed Items Deadlines: 

• Water bottles will be donated to a local charity on Tue. July 15.
• Non-confidential items will be donated to charity two months post-festival.

Contact Lost and Found: BassCoastLostandFound@gmail.com

Post-show Item Inquiries: Lost and Found Inquiry form

Final Inventory

If you are responsible for your department inventory, count every item and fill out the supply sheet before picking up your pay cheque from the office. Please ensure you have followed all steps required by the Supply Centre Manager.

 Equipment Return

Return all equipment immediately after use (i.e. radio, golf cart, etc.) and ensure they are signed back in.

Pre-Departure Rest & Readiness

We encourage you to plan the time needed to rest fully, pack your belongings, and clean your campsite thoroughly to feel ready for the journey ahead.

The festival is over at 9 AM on Mon. July 14. Please plan to be well rested and ready to depart by 5 PM, if not scheduled to work the post-show period. Consider planning for a designated driver if needed.

Departing Campsite Cleanup & MOOP Guidelines 

As you prepare to leave Bass Coast, please sort your garbage, recycling and compost and bring it to designated areas or take it with you. 

If the stations are full, use the Green Team tent and sorting area; do not leave anything outside bins. 

Walk your campsite grid to ensure you LEAVE NO TRACE of MOOP; no glitter, feathers, bobby pins, or orange peels, no trace.

Pick up Pay Cheque

Pick up your cheque at the Staff Gate on Mon. July 14 or after your shifts are completed post-festival. Before picking up your pay cheque, please ensure all inventory and equipment you are responsible for has been submitted and approved.

Your Team Feedback

We continually work to improve the Bass Coast team experience. Please fill out our debrief form by July 31.

MANAGER OR COORDINATOR DEBRIEF FORM 

ASSISTANT MANAGER OR TEAM MEMBER DEBRIEF FORM

Can I check in at Main Gate instead of Staff Gate?

The Staff Gate is highly preferred for all artists, in-house teams, and volunteers to check in before proceeding to the Main Gate for access to Camp B & C. All accreditation processes are exclusively handled at the Staff Gate. 

It is crucial to note that if you choose to enter through the MAIN GATE, you must immediately check in again at the Staff Gate, as the temporary wristband will expire shortly thereafter.

After Wed. at 1 PM, you may join the General Admission lineup and enter through the Main Gate to obtain a date and time-stamped temporary wristband. There are ‘no skip the line” privileges until Thurs. at 11 AM.

Can I skip the line at Main Gate on Wednesday if I already have my credentials?

No, there are “no skip the line” privileges on Wednesday for any artists, in-house team or volunteers.

Beginning Thurs. at 11 AM, those who have checked in at the Staff Gate and have all their credentials can skip the line at the Main Gate.

Drive past the entrance to the Main Gate line and turn left behind the Main Gate Office.  Security will stop to search vehicles and check credentials.

Is there a re-entry fee if I leave Bass Coast to purchase supplies in town?

Starting Fri. July 11, at 12 PM for all gates, there is a $20 re-entry fee per vehicle if you need to leave Bass Coast for supplies.

Bass Coast Emergency Line: +1 (672) 699-6606

Festival FAQS

Online Schedule - Coming soon.

Android & iOS Bass Coast 2025 App

Site Maps

Harm Reduction

Sustainability

Towards Equity

Harassment and Assault Policy

Important Numbers

Bass Coast Emergency Line: +1 (672) 699-6606

We request all communications to be concise, due to the high volume of emails we receive.

Production Manager: Anna Hilliar   +1 (604) 726-4044 anna@basscoast.ca

Production Manager Assistant: Jenn Harkness +1 (604) 813-5405  productionassistant@basscoast.ca 

Music Director Co-Founder: Andrea Graham  +1 (604) 849-0886

Artistic Director Co-Founder: Liz Thomson +1 (604) 907-2229

Senior Bookkeeper / Accountant: Jennifer Strelive accounting@basscoast.ca

Directions

The festival site is located one mile southwest of the City of Merritt, BC, just off the Coquihalla Hwy. 

Staff Gate is 1km past Moon Shadows Campground at 1145 Neilson St, Merritt, BC. 

Drive slowly on the dirt road: 15 km max. to reduce dust for residents. 

Accreditation is only available at the Staff Gate. Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

FROM KELOWNA

• Take Hwy BC-97C to Merritt
• Once in Merritt, continue through onto the Princeton - Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road). 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF (east) GATE. 

FROM KAMLOOPS

• Take Hwy BC-5 S towards Merritt 
• Take exit #286 from the Coquihalla hwy and head towards Merritt City Center along Princeton-Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road) 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF GATE. 

FROM VANCOUVER

• Take Hwy BC-1 and then Hwy BC-5 N towards Merritt
• Once in Merritt, take exit #286, keep right at the fork, and head towards Merritt City Center along Princeton-Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road). 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF GATE.