The Port Perry Agricultural Society (PPAS) is demanding a public explanation of how topics were selected for the North Durham Chamber of Commerce's Sept. 16 mayoral forum and meet-the-candidates event, saying the Port Perry Fairgrounds was excluded from discussion, according to reporting by Durham Post.
PPAS says witnesses attest that candidates were told they could not bring up the fairgrounds, that attendees were not permitted to ask questions about it, and that multiple individuals were told the issue could not be raised. PPAS president Paul Puckrin says the restrictions silenced constituents, taxpayers and residents seeking information from those running to represent them.
The society is seeking renewal of its management of the fairgrounds, while the Township of Scugog has undertaken a third-party visioning exercise that may see part of the site used for development. PPAS says the chamber's event listing invited residents to 'ask questions that matter to you and your family' at the Scugog Community Recreation Center, and that excluding the fairgrounds was inconsistent with that invitation. It wants the chamber to explain how topics were chosen and to ensure future events allow discussion of the fairgrounds. Ontario's municipal election is Oct. 26.
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Sources & publication details
- Byline
- Daily Durham News
- Published
- Oct 13, 2026, 8:05 a.m.
- Source
- durhampost.ca
