Work to save historic Ontario fairgrounds ‘far from over’ after council defers decision to 2027

The Port Perry Agricultural Society is thanking residents who demonstrated their “unwavering support” for the Port Perry Fairgrounds and the Port Perry Fair, support that led to the Township of Scugog deferring any decisions on the future of the fairgrounds until next year.

Supporters of the local agriculture society, who have been the stewards of the fair and the fairgrounds since 1910, filled the council chambers Monday night to have their say on the final report from Toronto consulting firm Darwin Pivot.

A staff report based on the firm’s visioning exercise’ called for the township to take control of the fairgrounds from the Port Perry Agriculture Society and sell off four of the site’s 23 acres for development, with senior’s housing high on the priority list.

After being told for months by Scugog Council that the exercise was not a precursor for development, the Port Perry Agricultural Society is calling that recommendation a “breach of public trust” and had been encouraging its supporters to be at Scugog Township’s municipal building Monday evening to have their voices heard on the future of the historic fairgrounds.

Turn up they did.

“The incredible turnout and passionate response from the community sent a clear message: the fairgrounds matter, agriculture matters, and the people of Scugog want to keep this historic community asset public,” society president Paul Puckrin said, while thanking residents who spoke out, attended Monday’s meeting, contacted members of council, displayed signs, shared information online, and “demonstrated their unwavering support for the Port Perry Fairgrounds and the Port Perry Fair.”

Council voted to charge the new council with the responsibility and defer any decision on the future of the fair – an institution at the fairgrounds for 140 years – until the first quarter of 2027.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to get involved,” said Puckrin. “The turnout at Council and the support shown throughout this process demonstrate that the Fairgrounds are far more than just a piece of land – it is a place where generations of families have gathered, celebrated community, and created lasting memories.”

“The overwhelming public response proved just how much support exists for the agricultural society and the fair.”

Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten, who put forward the deferral motion Monday, said the final decision on the lands needed “more time and care.”

“I thank the Darwin Pivot team for their final report and staff for their thoughtful recommendations, however, after considering the report, recommendations, and feedback of our residents, I felt this discussion needed more time and care to review before any decisions are made. This will also allow the members of the next term of council the opportunity to review and provide input on this decision that will shape the future of these lands that sit deep within the hearts of our community.”

The staff recommendation for the future of the 23-acres site, home of the annual Labour Day weekend fair since 1886, 19 acres being set aside as a new Township Park with open space/event grounds areas, community use areas and recreational space/facilities, while the remaining four acres adjacent to the intersection of Old Simcoe Road and Reach Street will be sold “preferably for seniors residential/mixed-use development” to fund improvements to the remainder of the property, the report stated.

A special reserve fund will be created to hold any sale proceeds, grant funding, or donations related to the property, with the revenue only to be used for improvements to the fairgrounds.

The agricultural society will no longer be in charge of managing the property under the new arrangement, with Scugog Township taking over long-term stewardship and possession of the property to “action and manage” an implementation plan that will be brought to council next year.

While Monday’s decision is important, Puckrin cautions that the work is far from over.

“We are pleased that council listened to the community and recognized the need for further consideration,” Puckrin said. “However, deferral is not the same as rejection. The recommendations remain before the township, and it will be up to the next council to decide the future of the Port Perry Fair.”

The Port Perry Fair will be held as scheduled September 5-7.