Scugog Council has voted to defer the adoption of the Fairgrounds Visioning Exercise final report and staff recommendations until the first quarter of 2027.
The report and recommendations will now be presented during a meeting that occurs within that quarter, to be reviewed by members of the 2026-30 term of council.
In the meantime, the current arrangement and use of the property will continue pending council’s decision in 2027, said a township statement.
“During the July 13 Special Council Meeting, I put a motion on the floor to defer this decision to the first quarter of 2027,” said Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten.
“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,” she said.
Key Findings:
- The Fairgrounds Visioning Exercise Final Report was presented to council for review and endorsement in principle of the overall vision for the site, which includes multiple zones for various community uses of the property.
- To move the vision to reality, it is recommended that staff develop an implementation plan to be presented to council for approval in 2027. This implementation plan will be based on several key principles:
- (a) Funding for site improvements should be sustainable, have limited impact to the tax base, and be sourced from the property;
- (b) Approximately 19 acres is set aside for a new Township Park to support community requests for recreational and multi-use space;
- (c) The remaining approximately 4 acres of the property adjacent to Old Simcoe Road and Reach Street be set aside for development;
- (d) Property improvements should support year-round usage;
- (e) A special reserve fund should be created to hold the funds generated from any sale proceeds or grant funding; and
- (f) The township will take back possession of the property to action the implementation plan.
The Port Perry Agricultural Society (PPAS) can continue with the fair on the site under a no-cost special event permit from 2027 and onward, with reasonable notice provided to end the existing month-to-month lease.
The township will assist with locating new lands for the fair if the PPAS believes that a new site is required.
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