MOUNT FOREST – The former home of the Mount Forest Fall Fair could soon be converted into equipment storage.
In a new report, staff are recommending the township re-purpose the Mount Forest Agricultural Society's lands into storage for the township's recreation department after council directed them to develop a plan for the site last year.
Previously used for the Mount Forest Fall Fair, the lands were returned to the township after the Ag Society dissolved last year due to a lack of interest and volunteers.
If approved, the property's smaller barn, which runs north and south, will be utilized by the Wellington North Recreation Department to store summer lawn and ball maintenance equipment and supplies while the other building, which runs east and west, will be rented out to a local non-proft/organizations for storage.
The bleachers will be repurposed at other township facilities soccer fields, ball diamonds, or as extra bleachers for the Fireworks Festival and the announcer stand will be considered as a potential future site for a bandshell/pavilion for use for ball tournaments or music in the park events.
As for future use, staff have noted the site may be an ideal location for another ball diamond in Mount Forest when the need arises in the next five to 10 years.
The report also said staff have consulted internally and with two not-for-profit organizations regarding the site's potential use.
It will cost the township approximately $3000 in insurance and hydro in the 2024 operating budget to keep the property.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
