Fergus Agricultural Society will catch a break for one more year
New community services fees, charges review will dictate new fee structure
ELORA – The Fergus Agricultural Society had some sticker shock when the township proposed it will have to pay more than $20,000 to use township facilities for the Fergus Fall Fair.
A long-held special arrangement between the township and the agricultural society allowed them to rent the grounds and facilities at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex for fall fair weekend for $3,896.
But according to the updated fees and charges bylaw, the ag society would have to pay $20,349.
Kristen Bettiol, manager of community development, told council on Feb. 23 that the arrangement with the ag society expired in 2025, “and we can no longer facilitate them in that manner.”
But, she said, the township is conducting a review of community services fees and charges this year.
“Through this study, the option of subsidizing rental fees for broader community groups and events will be explored and reported to council,” states Bettiol’s report.
“As such, future fees paid by the society to the township for the Fergus Fall Fair will be dictated by the recommendations of this study.”
She recommended the ag society be allowed to continue to pay $3,896 in 2026 and prepare for an increase in future years.
She said the $20,349 figure already includes a 15 per cent discount. The study may settle on a lower figure, but likely not as low as $3,900.
Other community groups will have to pay according to the current fees and charges bylaw in 2026. They may find a reduction in future years, depending on the outcome of the study.
Managing director of community services Adam Gilmore said the fee study will be complete this year and new fees and charges will be in place for 2027.
Fergus Agricultural Society past-president Andrew Taylor delegated to council at the meeting, stressing that such a steep increase would drastically impact the fair’s budget.
He said the fall fair adds to the local economy and it has gained in popularity and attendance since the pandemic.
Council agreed to continue the discount for the fair in 2026 and see what the fees and charges study suggests for the future.
