The Port Perry Fairgrounds Future is now in the hands of the community as residents prepare to provide feedback on how the historic site should evolve in the coming years.
Scugog Township hired Toronto consulting firm Darwin Pivot in September to conduct a visioning process for the future of the fairgrounds. The first public participation phase has now concluded, and an interim report has been released. Residents will have the opportunity to weigh in during a Scugog Council meeting scheduled for Monday afternoon.
The fairgrounds have deep historical roots in the community. The Port Perry Fair has been held on the site since 1886, and the Port Perry Agricultural Society has managed the grounds since 1910. Although the township owns the land, the fairgrounds have long served as a central gathering place for local residents.
Public concern about the Port Perry Fairgrounds Future began earlier when Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten acknowledged that the visioning process could potentially include selling the property. The comment sparked fears that the historic parkland might eventually be redeveloped.
However, Wotten has emphasized that no final decision has been made and that the community’s input will guide the process.
The interim report from Darwin Pivot reflects strong community engagement. The public consultation phase generated approximately 300 written submissions and more than 650 ideas for how the site could be used in the future.
Many residents expressed a desire to preserve the fairgrounds as a community gathering space while enhancing its usability. Suggestions included improving walking paths, planting shade trees, adding benches and gardens, upgrading washroom facilities and creating spaces that encourage year round community use.
Port Perry Agricultural Society President Paul Puckrin said the feedback demonstrates overwhelming support for maintaining the fairgrounds as a public asset. He praised the community’s engagement and noted that many residents want the site to remain a permanent home for the annual Port Perry Fair.
The Port Perry Fairgrounds Future discussion intensified after the agricultural society’s lease was not automatically renewed earlier this year. The issue drew large public attendance at a Scugog Council meeting in September, where residents voiced strong support for keeping the land publicly accessible.
While the township has confirmed the Port Perry Fair will continue at the site at least through 2026, some community members remain concerned that development pressure could eventually lead to housing projects on the property.
Others have suggested exploring additional uses for the land, including recreation facilities or senior housing options that would still serve community needs.
Darwin Pivot identified several key priorities in the consultation process, including maintaining space for the fair, ensuring public access to the site, improving park like amenities and exploring flexible multi use facilities that can adapt to changing community needs.
The next phase of the Port Perry Fairgrounds Future study will include technical workshops beginning in late March or early April. A community open house is expected to follow in late April or early May.
A final report with recommendations is scheduled to be presented to Scugog Council in late May or early June.
