Setting the record straight on Cookstown Fair Grounds

Dear editor,

Over the past few months, the rumors and speculations have been circulating concerning the Cookstown Fair Grounds. I would like to set some of the accusations straight.

The Cookstown Fair Grounds have been owned and operated by the Cookstown Agricultural Society for the past 120 years and has never been Crown Land. Many seem to think that it has been publically owned for years and have used it as so.

Approximately three years ago, the Society was approached by the Town of Innisfil to purchase the twelve plus acres. At the time, the Society did not deem it feasible to sell the land, the offer was much too low.

Earlier this year, we were approached once again by the Town of Innisfil to sell the land for a new library. Many of our members felt that it would be a good idea to sell but we had many mixed emotions even though we knew that the offer was better. Would Innisfil use the remaining land for something other than community oriented programs and facilities? Would they in turn sell it to a developer? Would the

remaining 40 years on the lease with the Cookstown Curling Club Rink be honoured? Many issues had to be resolved before we signed the offer to purchase.

Our main concern with the Town was that the land HAD to be used for recreational services such as soccer fields, etc. and a new library for the Town. Many of us know that Cookstown is lacking in community services. We hope that the community can benefit from this sale because it is with heavy hearts that we are letting go of an era. The rumours that the Society is having financial difficulties and had to sell are totally untrue. The Cookstown Agricultural Society is not going away. The future of the Fair has not

been determined as of yet. We have not been in negotiations with the Georgian Bay Steam Show to hold our fairs on their grounds. We have not considered the future as of yet. Right now there are many things to consider the first being the sale has not gone through, nothing has been finalized with the Town of Innisfil. I hope that this letter will satisfy the rumours and speculations.

I would like the opportunity to invite everyone to our Community Dinner, to be held at the Cookstown Fair Grounds on September 8th between 5:00 7:00 pm, with special opening of our Fair to follow.

Wendy Hughson, President Cookstown Agricultural Society