Next phase of Port Perry Fairgrounds planning opens door for public input

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Fresh ideas, as well as some lingering concerns, are expected to surface as the Township of Scugog prepares to host a new round of community workshops, focused on the future of the Port Perry Fairgrounds.

Set for Wednesday, May 13th, at the Township Municipal Office, the sessions mark the next phase of the “Your Voice, Your Fairgrounds” community visioning exercise. Residents will get their first look at preliminary conceptual options for the site, shaped by feedback, gathered from earlier consultations with community members and stakeholders.

For some, the process is a welcome opportunity to help shape a key community space.

“I think it’s important people actually show up and share their ideas,” said Port Perry resident Lisa McAllister. “The Fairgrounds have so much potential, and if this is done right, it could benefit families, events, and the community year-round.”

Fellow resident Jason Pereira agreed, noting the interactive format could make a difference. “It’s not just a presentation. Hopefully, this time, you’ll be able to talk to the planners, look at maps, and really dig into the ideas. That’s the kind of engagement people have been asking for.”

Each workshop will begin with a short presentation before opening into a more interactive format. Attendees can explore the draft concepts, speak directly with members of the project team, and take part in a mapping activity designed to gather detailed feedback.

Organizers say, the goal is to hear directly from the community, what people like about the ideas presented, what concerns they may have, and what improvements or new possibilities they’d like to see considered.

“These aren’t final plans,” said Emily Chen, who plans to attend an afternoon session. “They’re more like conversation starters. It gives residents a real chance to influence what happens next.”

Others, however, are approaching the process with caution.

“I worry this could open the door to residential development down the line,” said Luke Hamilton, a longtime area resident. “Once you start talking about ‘future uses,’ it makes people nervous about what that might actually mean.”

Similar concerns were raised by Carolyn Briggs, who pointed to the site’s history. “The Fairgrounds is part of our identity. There’s a fear, changes could eventually push the Port Perry Fair out or relocate it. That would be a huge loss for the community.”

Another resident, Tom Wilkes, said, he plans to attend specifically to ask questions. “I’m not against improvements, but people want clarity. Is this about enhancing what’s already there, or are we talking about something completely different?”

At the same time, some see an opportunity to balance preservation with progress.

“You can respect tradition and still develop,” said Samantha Roy, who has attended the fair for years with her family. “If the Township is serious about listening, this is the time for people to speak up and help find that balance.”

Township staff have emphasized, the concepts being presented are intended as visual tools, not finalized proposals: aimed at guiding more focused and informed discussions about the site’s long-term role in the community.

Three sessions will be offered throughout the day, running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the municipal office on Perry Street. Residents are asked to register in advance, through the project’s online page, where additional details about the workshops and participation process are also available.

With a range of perspectives already emerging, the upcoming sessions are expected to play a key role in shaping how the Fairgrounds develop, and how closely that future reflects the priorities of the community this land serves.