Three events, one message: residents say “Keep Port Perry Fairgrounds Public”

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: A trio of recent “Your Voice, Your Fairgrounds” pop-in sessions left many local residents feeling frustrated and underwhelmed after the long-awaited consultations offered little more than sticky notes and suggestion boards.

The three drop-in events, which were held over the past week in Port Perry at the Library and Vos’ Independent grocery store, as well as at Greenbank Hall, as part of the Township’s early-stage review of the fairgrounds’ future and drew strong crowds at each stop. Attendance was so high at the first session organizers ran out of sticky notes within the first hour. But with no presentation, no discussion of potential directions, and no opportunity for a question-and-answer period, many attendees said the sessions fell short of expectations.

“I thought we were finally going to learn what the Township is considering for this property,” said Port Perry resident Janice Miller. “Instead, we were just told to write comments on sticky notes. People were confused, and honestly, a bit disappointed.”

Residents also voiced concern over the cost of the engagement process, noting the Township paid the firm Darwin Pivot approximately $100,000 for consulting services related to the fairgrounds project.

“When you hear a consultant was paid that much, you expect something more concrete than a wall of sticky notes,” said resident Paul Chambers. “People came for answers. Instead, we got coloured paper.”

Following the first session, the Township released a statement thanking residents for participating and addressing the absence of a formal presentation.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us at the first Your Voice, Your Fairgrounds pop-in session! There was a big turnout and we heard some great feedback from the group,” the statement read. “We understand attendees were expecting a presentation at the meeting. As there are currently no plans, the intention of these pop-ins is to hear what the grounds mean to you, values that should guide its future, and what you would like to see for the future of the fairgrounds.”

Despite the lack of formal discussion, one message came through clearly across all three events: residents overwhelmingly want the fairgrounds to remain public land and strongly oppose any plans to convert the property into housing. Comment boards were filled with calls for expanded community uses such as festivals, green space, walking paths, recreation amenities, and accessible gathering areas.

One attendee summed up the prevailing sentiment simply: “Keep it public. Make it better. Don’t sell off our heritage or turn it into houses.”

The Township is expected to host additional engagement opportunities in early 2026.