An interim report summarizing Port Perry Fairgrounds public input will be presented to Scugog council in March, as the township continues its visioning process for the future of the site.
The Township of Scugog says hundreds of residents have participated in the consultation so far. According to municipal officials, more than 300 written comments were collected during community pop-in events, along with 70 submissions through the online Ideas Tool, over 10 email responses, and more than 400 survey responses.
Township staff and the project team have also gathered feedback through outreach with seniors’ groups, local organizations, and schools, with additional engagement planned with Port Perry High School students.
Consulting firm Darwin Pivot, which was hired to lead the visioning process, has prepared a memo outlining emerging themes from the public input. The memo notes strong community support for protecting the fairgrounds as a public, community-based space, alongside differing views on how to balance preservation, programming, and long-term sustainability.
The Port Perry Agricultural Society, which currently leases the fairgrounds and organizes the annual Port Perry Fair, also provided a site tour and shared its perspectives. The organization’s lease is set to expire in July 2026.
Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten said the level of engagement reflects strong community interest in the future of the fairgrounds.
“No decision or plan for the fairgrounds has been made,” Wotten said, encouraging residents to continue participating in consultation opportunities as the process moves forward.
The visioning exercise has drawn significant public attention following concerns and rumours about the potential sale of the property. Township officials have repeatedly stated that council intends to respect community feedback, and that the Port Perry Fair will continue as long as the agricultural society remains committed to running it.
A final report is expected later in the year following additional consultation and council review.
