Ancaster Agriculture Society expansion moves forward
Councillors move to spare all area agricultural societies from development charges
The Ancaster Agricultural Society had proposed to construct a $5-million, 75,000-square-foot horse ring at its Trinity Road facility in early 2019.
But it had been delayed after it was discovered the society would have to pay development charges on the project, estimated by city officials at about $1.4 million.
In an effort to exempt all Hamilton agricultural societies from the city’s recently updated development charge bylaw that had been approved last year, Coun. Lloyd Ferguson worked with finance staff to come up with a solution that allows the societies to move forward with development projects without spending needed funds on development charges.
“It doesn’t cost the city any money,” said Ferguson, who represents Ancaster.
The solution that was approved by councillors on Feb. 12 is to provide a “compassionate grant” against the Ancaster Agricultural Society property. It means that if the Ancaster Agricultural Society sold the land, it would have to repay the city the funding.
“If the property is ever sold and put into commercial use then it will have to reimburse the city,” said Ferguson.
Councillors discovered that agricultural societies were not exempt from development charges under the bylaw because they don’t have a Farm Business Registration number that is issued by the Ontario Ministry of Agricultural — an important item that exempts bona fide farmers from development charges if they construct new farm buildings.
“This is the best of both worlds,” said Coun. Brad Clark, who oversaw the city’s updated development charge bylaw. “As long as (the land) stays a charitable organization.”
Coun. Judi Partridge, who represents the area that includes the Rockton Agricultural Society, applauded the innovative way the city solved the issue.
“It’s not just about having a fair once a year,” said Partridge, referring to agricultural societies. “They are really the backbone of our agricultural communities and for the city.”
Ancaster Agricultural Society officials had scheduled to have a shovel in the ground for the new horse ring, which included an additional 40 stalls, in late 2019 with a completion date in the spring of 2020.
At the time, society officials were completing the design drawings and getting the approval from the city for the site plan.
But Ferguson said the development charges issue delayed any construction. Tammy Quinn, manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society, said in a brief interview that the plan remains to construct the facility.
The plan had been to locate the new building beside Marritt Hall where there is an existing horse ring. Officials previously said the existing horse ring would be relocated.
The new structure will have enough floor space to accommodate various agricultural equipment, including combines. And the space can be used to attract popular RV trade shows.
The fairgrounds are currently on a septic system, but that could soon change. The longawaited Cormorant Road extension from the Ancaster Business Park to Trinity Road is currently being constructed.
Along with the new road, a sewer will be installed and extended to Trinity Road allowing the fairgrounds to connect to the city’s water system. It is estimated to cost about half a million dollars to the fairgrounds for the hookup.
Since the society relocated to its Trinity Road location over a decade ago from Garner Road, it has invested about $22 million into the fairgrounds with new buildings and infrastructure.