CNE's future at risk as development plans loom: festival head

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.

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.