Caledon explores partnership with Agricultural Society for community centre

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Efforts to build a new community centre in Caledon Village are moving forward.

On July 24, Caledon Agricultural Society (CAS) president Ed Taccone delegated to Caledon Council asking for support as the society looks to build a new community centre on its property at the Caledon Fairgrounds in Caledon Village.

Ward 1 Councillor Lynn Kiernan prepared a motion of support for Taccone, and Caledon Councillors supported it unanimously. 

The motion directs Town of Caledon staff to explore partnership opportunities with the CAS.

The CAS first announced its plans to build a new community centre on July 9, when it launched a $3 million capital fundraising campaign for the centre.

Taccone said the community centre will serve as a much-needed facility in northwest Caledon and can be used to showcase agriculture to the younger generation through educational seminars.

The building will also be able to be rented for things like weddings, birthday parties or seniors' activities. Taccone said some other examples of things the community centre could be used for include career fairs, an indoor farm market, and office space for CAS volunteers to use.

“Over the years the Town of Caledon and the Caledon Agricultural Society have had a marvelous relationship,” said Taccone in a letter to Caledon Council. “I am interested in discussing with the Town of Caledon how we can partner… and how we can be committed in ensuring residents in west Caledon can have every opportunity to better connect.”

In his delegation to Council on July 24, Taccone said the CAS has goals to educate the community about agriculture and conservation, cooperate with other organizations in the community, and enrich the social environment of Caledon's rural communities. 

The CAS holds the Caledon Fair and Caledon Canada Day and Strawberry Festival each year. Taccone explains the CAS runs these massive events out of an office trailer that was donated to them years ago.

When discussing building a new office space, CAS members realized it was an opportunity to make a building that was so much more. 

“A community centre that will be big, multi-purpose and accessible — it will be near those who need it most,” said Taccone. “Will you partner with us on creating a local, accessible, multi-use social hub? We can't do it without the Town… from building permits to septic beds, road access and water supply, it depends on Town approval. There's so much we can do together.”

Taccone ended his delegation to Council with these remarks, and they were well-received. 

Ward 1 Councillor Lynn Kiernan said the CAS holds a special place in her heart. 

Mayor Annette Groves thanked Taccone for all he does for the Caledon community and said the 

Caledon Fairgrounds and the events the CAS puts on are so important to the community.