Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten Addresses Misinformation Regarding the Port Perry Fairgrounds

For the facts on this item, be sure to visit our Fairgrounds Community Outreach project page.

Scugog – There has been quite a bit of misinformation causing worry in the community surrounding the outreach and future visioning for the Port Perry Fairgrounds.

Earlier this year, the Port Perry Agricultural Society (PPAS) brought forward a request to renew their current 10-year lease, at a rental rate of $2.00 for the entire term, which is set to expire in June 2026. Following meetings with the PPAS and Council consideration of the request on April 28 and July 9, Council voted to defer the decision to renew until next year, with a plan to conduct and complete a visioning exercise by June 2026. This exercise is expected to allow residents, stakeholders, and especially the PPAS to detail their ideas and proposals for the grounds. To assist with this visioning exercise, Council also directed staff to issue a request for proposals for a consultant to assist with this community visioning exercise, and report back regarding the contract award and budget approval.

The only conversation taking place at the September 15 Special Council Meeting is in relation to retaining a consultant to assist with this community-wide visioning exercise. Some in the community don’t feel that it’s necessary; however, with a population of over 22 thousand people, as well as welcoming over 500 thousand visitors to Scugog annually, it is important to have a dedicated, professional group to fully engage the community and stakeholders and create a community driven plan that provides an array of benefits.

“We have maintained from the beginning that a key stakeholder in the exercise is the official Agricultural Society. We look forward to receiving their ideas,” said Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten. “There is some confusion in the community, where some think the consultant will bring their own ideas for the grounds. That is untrue. They will be presenting some potential plans for the grounds, yes, but these ideas would come from the community. They would be plans for how we can bring your vision to life, not theirs, and not mine. My hope is that if we facilitate a visioning exercise this fall, residents will participate in a positive and constructive way.”

Quick Facts

• There are currently no discussions being held about selling the grounds, nor have there been any discussions with developers about building on the site.
• If a consultant is awarded, they will be creating a vision based on your input, not their own.
• The Port Perry Fair will continue as long as the Port Perry Agricultural Society is willing and able to run it. Whether it will continue on the current site will be determined by the visioning exercise.
• Options for the site will be determined by the community.  Even if the current use of the space changes, it may still be a public area.
• One of our requirements for a consultant is that they connect with the Port Perry Agricultural Society directly when gathering feedback for the vision.
• Staff do not have the capacity to conduct a full consultation on this project. Given the value and pride the community has in the lands, we need to ensure the whole community is as represented as it can be.
• The lands have not been deemed a heritage site. As directed by Council, this was procedurally referred to staff for consideration as part of the upcoming Official Plan review, which will be completed after the visioning exercise. 

We recommend everyone read the full August 15 interview with Mayor Wotten from Durham Radio News, highlighting the Township’s current position on the project.