CNE's future at risk as development plans loom: festival head
Proposed parking lot, hotel could result in loss of space in future years, says CEO
The Canadian National Exhibition opens its doors Friday and organizers say while they expect the public to come out in droves, there are concerns about the festival's longevity following the pandemic.
Over its 145-year history, the CNE, known for its over-the-top carnival foods, shopping, rides and performances, has had a key economic and social impact on the city, says Darrell Brown, the CEO of the Canadian National Exhibition Association (CNEA) that runs the fair.
But now, he says, it needs the public's support in the face of proposed developments.
"We haven't talked publicly about all these issues, but the time has come where we have to," he said.
Many of the worries stem from whether the exhibition grounds, which the CNE rents from the city, will be sold off or repurposed for other uses, Brown says.
"We depend on the free flow of pedestrians. You need the space," he said.
The city is now planning further changes to the site, including an expansion of Hotel X that sits on the grounds. The expansion will include another hotel and a performance venue, to be located to the west of Stanley Barracks on the south side of Princes' Boulevard, according to city staff reports.
That will result in a loss of about 33,445 square metres of space for the CNE, says Brown.
As well, the CNEA's lease on the food building will expire in 2027 and Brown says he's concerned about its ability to retain it.
The city did not respond when asked about the CNEA's concerns regarding the hotel expansion and food building.
Talks underway about possible parking lot for spa
There are also discussions about an above-ground parking lot at the exhibition place site to support the spa. The CNEA says it is private talks with the city and the province about the plan, but has made clear to both levels of government it opposes an above-ground option.
CBC Toronto asked the city about Brown's concerns regarding the parking lot. In response, Don Boyle, the CEO of Exhibition Place said they will "always balance the needs of our valued tenants and event organizers with those of the local and broader communities."
In 2023, the CNE had over 1.6 million visitors. That surpassed the previous record of about 1.5 million in 2015, according to the CNEA's 2024 annual report.
Brown says nostalgia and tradition also contributed to the turnout, following the festival's pandemic-related closure in 2020 and 2021.
But he says the festival needs continued support to keep going. The CNEA has been lobbying for the event's continued operation on the site with the city and province, he said.
In a statement to CBC Toronto, a spokesperson for Ontario's Ministry of Infrastructure said there have been no final decisions around the parking lot at the exhibition site and that the province is coordinating stakeholder meetings with Exhibition Place and taking the needs of tenants into account.
Events more costly post-pandemic
The worries about the site retention also come with ticket price increases to cope with inflation and the increased costs of food, says Brown.
This year, general admission tickets are $26.22 plus a $2.99 online processing fee and taxes. That's up from last year's base ticket price of $25. Advanced tickets can be purchased for $22.12.
Dave MacNeil, the CEO of Festivals and Events Ontario, which represents over 1,400 events in the province, says his organization's members have estimated it costs about 40 per cent more to run an event, compared to before the pandemic.
On top of that, some suppliers closed during the pandemic, making it harder to acquire items like fencing, or porta-potties, he says.
"We're still getting back to where we need to be," he said. "What will help is continued support from the community and government sponsors."
For now, Brown says he hopes governments take into account the importance of the festival and that the CNEA will be fighting for the event's future. He says he feels the public will support the continued operation of the CNE and rally around that cause.
"We have a power there in terms of public support," he said.