A proposal to spend over $800,000 on a second stage for the newly opened Ajax Fairgrounds has been sent back to staff for further review after concerns were raised at the February 2026 council meeting. The Ajax Town Council asked for a detailed business plan to justify the expense and the need for the second stage.
The Ajax Fairgrounds, which officially opened in September 2025 as part of the town’s 70th anniversary celebrations, is designed to accommodate major events. The 17-acre site can hold up to 25,000 people and has been heralded as a modern, community-focused space that blends contemporary design with nostalgic small-town elements. The grand opening of the fairgrounds featured the town’s first-ever drone show, marking a milestone for Ajax as an emerging event destination.
Construction of the $4 million project was funded through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, and the fairgrounds were seen as a way to attract large-scale events to Ajax. However, just five months after its opening, the town is already considering additional funding to expand the site, including a proposal to purchase a second stage from Stageline Mobile Stage Inc., a Quebec-based company.
Despite the excitement surrounding the fairgrounds, concerns were raised by Ajax resident Douglas Glass, who questioned the necessity of a second stage. “Where is the justification for the need for a second stage?” he asked during the council meeting. Glass called for the council to provide “clear evidence of demand” before committing further funds.
The Ajax Fairgrounds was initially designed with the potential to host two stages and corresponding amenities, and the second stage was identified in the 2025 budget. Stageline Mobile Stages, which responded to the bid, is the only vendor to submit a proposal for the second stage. However, Glass emphasized that the town should assess how many two-stage events are planned before proceeding with the purchase.
“We should see clear evidence of demand before proceeding,” Glass said. “If the demand exists, show it. Bring the crowd, and that will bring in non-tax revenue.” He pointed out that investing in infrastructure should be based on demonstrable need and expected return on investment.
In response, council members agreed to defer the decision and requested that Ajax staff prepare a detailed business plan for the proposed second stage. This plan will include an analysis of demand and projected financial outcomes before the contract is awarded.
The decision on whether to proceed with the $800,000 investment for the second stage at the Ajax Fairgrounds will be revisited in a future council meeting, once staff have gathered the necessary data to justify the expenditure.
