A Message From Our President

Thank you for visiting the CNE website!

Let me say from the outset that we are an institution that defines Toronto and Exhibition Place. The CNE and the Exhibition Place site are synonymous, and brand these spectacular 192-acres of the Toronto waterfront.   Our iconic stature and longevity are rooted in the strength of our visitors, our membership, partners and professional staff.  I would like to thank you for helping make the 134^th Canadian National Exhibition such a resounding success!  Close to 1.4 million people visited the CNE over the 18 days of the fair.

 

This year has been particularly challenging and exciting on a number of fronts. As you may know, the CNE is moving toward independence. What does that mean?  In simple terms, we are moving out from under the umbrella of the City of Toronto and Exhibition Place, and staking out our own future as an independent, non-share capital organization. While we shall continue to be Exhibition Place’s biggest tenant, we will now have full mastery of our financial future.

 

That said, you may also be aware of the Province’s direction to expand gambling in Ontario. In response, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG) has identified the Greater Toronto Area as one of the zones for a new casino/entertainment complex. 

 

There is little doubt that the OLG and the Mayor prefer a downtown Toronto location preferably a site, such as Exhibition Place, which is owned by the City, and therefore seemingly offers the greatest potential revenue for the City.

 

Exhibition Place is clearly in the cross hairs of those parties looking to build a major  casino/entertainment complex.  The recently published report from the City Manager indicates that this new complex would be a total of 3 million square feet and occupy 25 acres of the Exhibition Place grounds. When you net out land now used for permanent structures, heritage buildings, roads, walkways, and park space… shoehorning a massive gambling structure onto the grounds would leave little space for the annual CNE.

 

Therefore, the CNEA Board of Directors approved a resolution at its September meeting stating that:  “The CNEA does not support a casino/entertainment complex at Exhibition Place”

 

We may well be in touch with you in the near future to seek your help in keeping this venerable national institution a vibrant and vital part of this communal space.

 

Every year when we open the Gates to the CNE, more than a million people walk onto the grounds, sometimes marveling for the very first time, at the rides, exhibits or farm animals, or returning to the CNE with grandkids in tow.

 

Every year is different and every year is the same. This magical alchemy makes the CNE a special place, and one to be treasured for generations to come.

 

We must ensure that the CNE continues to thrive!  Please join us next year, August 16^th to September 2^nd for the 135 edition of the Canadian National Exhibition.

 

Brian Ashton, President,

Canadian National Exhibition Association