Future of one Ontario’s oldest county fairs uncertain after 2026

A lease renewal between Scugog Township and the Port Perry Agricultural Society (PPAS) for the Port Perry Fairgrounds has been “paused,” with the municipality hiring a consultant to achieve a “vision” for the site.

The two sides met Monday and Scugog Township has assured the local agricultural society that the Port Perry Fair – one of Ontario’s oldest county fairs – will continue at least until 2026.

This year’s fair will take place on the Labour Day weekend.

The township announced Monday it will retain a consultant to “facilitate a collaborative discussion to garner proposals and ideas from across the community, with the PPAS as a key stakeholder.”

The goal, the township said in a news release, is to achieve a “vision” for the site, based on the ideas and proposals received, that will “provide an array of positive benefits for Scugog.”

A Request for Proposals to choose a consultant will be issued at the end of July, and the exercise is expected to begin this fall (after the fair) and end by June 2026. In the meantime, discussions about a lease renewal will be paused until the completion of this visioning exercise, the township said.

Many residents in the community on the shores of Lake Scugog were concerned the delay in renewing the lease for the fairgrounds was because the township was entertaining offers from developers to sell the lands for housing.

Worried residents packed Scugog Town Hall last week to hear council explain why the decision to renew the lease – held by the Port Perry Agricultural Society since 1910 – had been put off since April, with a portion of Wednesday’s meeting closed to the public “to discuss a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality.”

The township did not say one way or the other if it was looking to sell the fairgrounds, which has been the home of the Port Perry Fair since 1886, but Ward 3 Councillor Robert Rock said before last Wednesday’s meeting the fears were based on “empty rumours” spread “to get people upset and outraged.”

“I have no knowledge of any offer. We are discussing the lease to my understanding.”

Port Perry citizens, however, believe they had a reason to be concerned and at least nine residents felt strongly enough about the rumours to send correspondence to be read at Wednesday’s meeting.

Several cited the big plans the Agricultural Society has for the fairgrounds, with a “reimagined” Agri-Park offering year-round passive and active recreation that will feature more social and cultural activities and interactive agricultural education.

• “I believe that the Port Perry Fairgrounds should remain public and no development of homes be permitted there.” – Janice
• “Listen to the voices of your constituents and do not sell off the Port Perry Fairgrounds.” – Joy
• “Please be advised that as a taxpayer contributing to the tax surplus and long-time Scugog Island resident of 47 years I do NOT want the Scugog fairgrounds to be sold. – Joyce

The township has promised to keep residents updated on any developments.