Council to Consider Vision for Port Perry Fairgrounds at Special Meeting

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: The future of one of Scugog's most recognizable community gathering places will take centre stage, later this month, as local councillors convene for a special meeting, to consider the final recommendations from the Port Perry Fairgrounds Visioning Exercise.

Council will meet, on Monday, July 13th, at 5:30 p.m., to receive the Port Perry Fairgrounds Visioning Exercise Final Report, along with a staff report, outlining the results of the public engagement process and recommendations for future planning.

The Township of Scugog invited residents to share ideas, in their visioning exercise, on the long-term future of the fairgrounds, a property which has served as home to the annual Port Perry Fair while also hosting agricultural events, festivals, recreation programs, and a variety of community activities throughout the year.

Throughout the consultation process, many residents emphasized the importance of keeping the fairgrounds in its current location and preserving its agricultural roots.

"The fairgrounds are part of what makes Port Perry special," said, Greenbank resident, Tracy Sanders. "Whatever council decides, I hope they protect the agricultural heritage and make sure the fair continues to have a permanent home."

Others see opportunities to expand the site's role as a year-round community destination.

"It has been great to see the property used more often, throughout the year," said, Prince Albert’s, Kris Bronson. "If there are opportunities for more community events, recreation, and family activities, that's something worth exploring."

As council reviews the report, questions surrounding project costs, traffic, parking, and accessibility are also expected to be part of the discussion.

"Growth is important, but I'd like council to be careful about spending," added John Elliott of Port Perry. "I want to know what any proposed improvements will cost taxpayers before decisions are made."

Residents, wishing to address council, may request to appear as a delegation, by 12 p.m. on Friday, July 10th, provided they have not spoken to council on the same subject within the previous six months. Approved delegations will be included in an addendum to the agenda later that day.

The meeting agenda, including the final visioning report, is expected to be available on Thursday, July 9th, giving residents several days to review the material before council's deliberations.

The visioning exercise is intended to establish a long-term direction for the Port Perry Fairgrounds, by identifying community priorities for the historic property. Council's consideration of the final report represents a significant milestone and could help shape future planning, investments, and improvements at one of Scugog's best-known community assets.

Residents, unable to attend in person, will be able to watch the meeting through the Township of Scugog's regular council livestream.