Laird Fairgrounds Committee Minutes – June 2025

MINUTES OF THE LAIRD FAIRGROUNDS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT THE LAIRD TOWNSHIP OFFICE ON MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2025

MEMBERS PRESENT: Colleen Alloi Vasco Dias Brad Shewfelt Jim Withers Justine Lamming

REGRETS:

Ashley Boychuk

SECRETARY:

Rhonda Crozier

Call to order 6:05 pm

ON MOTION (No. R26-25) Moved by Justine Lamming, seconded by Brad Shewfelt “That the committee approves the Agenda of June 2, 2025 as circulated.” CARRIED

ON MOTION (No. R27-25) Moved by Justine Lamming, seconded by Vasco Dias “That the committee approves the Minutes of May 5, 2025, as circulated.” CARRIED

Delegations:

Ed Lapish attended and provided the committee with an update on the water system repairs. APH water tests passed, water room off limits, raceway washroom pumped out and has lots of leaks. Council meets with LIR Thursday night.

Business Arising out of the Minutes:

The committee discussed the repairs to the arena and it was reported that the arena is dry and there has been no water pooling.

The secretary reported that council passed the motion # 122-25 That Council directs staff to communicate to the Laird Fairgrounds Sub-Committee that Council has approved Motion 22-25 to amend the budget reallocating the $3000 originally designated for electrical repairs at the gazebo and announcer’s booth, to instead be used for electrical work at the gazebo and arena lighting.

ON MOTION (No. R28-25) Moved by Brad Shewfelt, seconded by Justine Lamming ‘That the Committee has an electrician look at the electrical panel in the gazebo and supply a quote to have it upgraded and fixed up.” CARRIED

The Committee discussed the plans for a Free Access Night. It was reported by secretary Rhonda Crozier that the township is in favor of North Shore Agricultural Society sponsoring the Free Access Night for now with their $5 membership in place. Colleen Alloi reported that NSAS has to meet to discuss plans and will let us know.

New Business:

The secretary reported that the township is advertising for a Part-Time/Seasonal Fairgrounds Custodian to handle rental bookings and cleaning of buildings.

The committee discussed the set up of a second arena approx. 120 x 100 at the end of the arena. Panels to be put up and t-posts need to be purchased.

ON MOTION (No. R29-25) Moved by Justine Lamming, seconded by Jim Withers ‘That the Committee approves of renting the Rowdy Ranchers the Laird Fairground for the Fri. night, Sat., Sun., and Mon. weekend of August 30, 2025 at a reduced rate of $500.” CARRIED

Budget:

Caretaker reported that the summer helper starts tomorrow. It was reported that the swing direction of some doors in the gazebo have been changed and that we should budget for wheelchair accessible doors next year. It was also discussed that Ed Lapish will get quotes on roll up doors.

Five-Year Plan:

1. a) Updated 2025 – announcer booth electrical, arena drainage, gazebo sinks 2026 – fencing at baseball diamonds, wheelchair accessible gazebo doors, painting arena board & posts, painting concession booths and barns, repair section of horse stalls, repair to one ball diamond, repairs to lighting 2027 – repair section of horse stalls, repairs second ball diamond, budget for section of playground equipment, pickleball/tennis/basketball courts 2028 – budget for section of playground equipment, repair section of horse stall, alter and repair fencing 2029 – install extra arena, budget for section of playground equipment

The next meeting will be held at the Laird Fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 22, 2025

at 6pm.

ON MOTION (No. R30-25) Moved by Jim Withers “That the June 2, 2025 meeting be adjourned @ 7:00 pm.” CARRIED

CHAIRPERSON: ________________________________

SECRETARY: __________________________________