Scugog Council discuss the fairgrounds lease renewal

BRANDON CLARK The Standard Intern

SCUGOG: On Monday, April 28th, Scugog Council gathered at the Council Chambers on Perry Street to discuss the Port Perry Agricultural Society's lease renewal of the Port Perry's fairgrounds in accordance with section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001.

Numerous citizens concerned about the future of the fairgrounds were in attendance.

"We are working with the Municipal Processes to respond to the AG society's request to renew their lease for the fairgrounds," said Mayor Wilma Wotten.

Delegate Ivo Finnoti was called up to give his viewpoint regarding the fairground lease renewal. He talked about the fairground website, where eight events are listed, and how seven of the events could be held elsewhere. He added that over the last decade, new community events have occurred at the waterfront park. Mr. Finotti suggested building senior housing on a portion of the fairgrounds and moving the fair to another location. He finished by saying senior citizens currently have to move outside of Scugog to find appropriate housing.

Adam Kawalchuk, a representative of the Port Perry Agricultural Society, addressed the council next.He pointed out the fairgrounds' historical value, stating that Ontario's first Holstein show took place on the Port Perry fairgrounds in 1937. The Holstein show continues to use the fairgrounds.

The fairgrounds have been a big part of the town's history since 1853. In April 1910, a by-law was passed to consider selling the fairgrounds for $1500. The agricultural society paid half of the money on the condition that the land be leased to them.

In 2024, the fair saw 16,750 people in attendance. These included 30 vendors, 220 home craft exhibitors, and 84 local sponsors. The total payout was $23,700 in prize money, which was paid to attendees and contestants during the annual weekend. He finished by saying a long-term lease instills confidence that donations go to a long-lasting project. This is why the Agricultural Society portrait hopes to renew and strengthen its working relationship with the township so the grounds can be improved and enjoyed.

A third delegate, Zac Cahoon, stepped forward to give his view. Mr. Cahoon is a long-time resident of Scugog and has been part of the Port Perry Agricultural Society board since he was 16 years old. He stated the fair board needs a lease to continue to plan and develop the fair and the fairgrounds.

"It's a legacy piece of property right in the middle of Port Perry," Cahoon said, "It is a piece of property that should be kept in perpetuity because it is a great piece of parkland."

Members of the fair board, who were in attendance, voiced their concern that the success of the fair would be severely restricted without a long-term lease as it would affect fundraising efforts to maintain, improve and develop the grounds.

Council decided to defer their decision for three months to allow time for discussion with the Port Perry Agricultural Society.