West Niagara Fair returns to Smithville

But not because they want to

By Mike Williscraft
NewsNow

Back in late April, early May, the West Niagara Fair’s board of directors had two choices: cancel the 2014 edition of the fair, or; pull out all the stops in getting the fair back at Smithville Fairgrounds.

“There really was no choice. We had to beg, borrow and plead but we were able to get it all set up at the old fairgrounds,” said board president Stephen Capell.

The 2013 edition was to be the only version of the West Niagara Fair to be held in Smithville.

NewsNow broke the story back on Dec. 24, 2013 that work on the $4 million new fairgrounds had started.

The expectation at the time was for the facility to be up and operational in time for this September’s fair, the first for the combined Lincoln and Smithville Agriculture Societies at their new home on Mud Street, near Mountain Road.

Capell said in December septic design was the last hurdle to be cleared. Eight months later, it is still part of the hold up on the construction start.

“We have some neighbours there who have some concerns and we have worked very well with the Township of West Lincoln to work through those issues,” said Capell.

“Our storm water management, for example, has more than doubled from the original size planned. We have all our ducks in a row and expect to forward the fourth version of our site plan to the township this week.”

“We trust the township will process everything in a timely and proper fashion. We are hoping to see it on their August agenda as we are excited to move forward.”

Capell said hosting the fair at Smithville’s fairgrounds is due in large part to the cooperation of West Lincoln Minor Hockey.

“They were just great. We could not have had a fair without minor hockey’s support,” said Capell.