The Pavilion Project

The Vision

When the Agricultural Society was re-established in 2018, a key goal was to restore public access to the fairgrounds. Aside from the school property, there was no large open space available for community events.

Improvements were planned in phases as funding allowed. Early work included upgrades to the access lane, a gravel parking area, equipment storage, and electrical service. From the outset, the long-term vision was to create a central structure — a focal point for community and Society events. The challenges were figuring out the right kind of facility, how to finance it, and whether it could be built in stages.

The Process

In July 2023, the Board began exploring options. The first idea was a large concrete pad — a flexible event space that could also support activities like pickleball, with the option of adding a roof later. Preliminary pricing was sought to inform a grant application to the Loyalist Township Vibrancy Fund.

By September, getting quotes for the concrete pad had become difficult and progress slowed. At the October meeting, the Board shifted direction toward a pavilion — better aligned with the long-term vision. A timber-frame structure was identified as a strong candidate.

With the January 2024 grant deadline approaching, the Board had three months to select a design, confirm permitting requirements, and obtain cost estimates. Several timber-frame suppliers were consulted for structures in the 30′ x 70′ range.

A pure timber-frame design would have required internal support posts, but a hybrid approach — timber-frame walls with engineered roof trusses — allowed for a wider, fully open span. This option also enabled a closed ceiling, which discourages bird nesting. The final design measured 42′ x 72′ on an engineered concrete slab.

Consultation with Township Planning and Building officials confirmed that Site Plan Approval was required, along with supporting engineering studies. Provincial regulations also required an archaeological assessment, and all plans needed architectural and engineering certification.

The total project cost was estimated at $215,000, with the Agricultural Society acting as prime contractor. A grant request of $208,000 was submitted in January 2024 and approved in March.

Site Plan Approval was granted in late September 2024, followed by the building permit. Construction began in early October 2024. Roof framing was completed by the end of November, but work paused in early December as winter set in.

An early spring allowed construction to resume quickly. Steel roofing was completed in mid-March 2025, followed by electrical rough-in in early April and ceiling installation shortly after.

Construction was completed in early June 2025, and the pavilion officially opened on June 14, 2025.

The Pavilion Today

The completed pavilion is the heart of the Stella Fairgrounds — a 3,024-square-foot covered space with an open span, designed for everything from Saturday Markets to weddings to concerts. It’s available for community use and private rental, and members can drop in for casual use any time it’s not booked.

Project Sponsors

The Pavilion was made possible through a Loyalist Township Community Grant, funded under Community Benefit Agreements with Windlectric Inc. and Community Vibrancy Fund Agreements with Kingston Solar GP Inc.

Major Sponsors & Contributors

• AMRIZE Canada
• Amherst Island Wind Project
• Odessa Home Hardware
• McGinn Roofing
• Eves Family Farm
• McCormick Excavating

Contractors

• McCormick Excavating
• Wolf Lake Timberworks
• Wemp and Smith Construction
• Marc Laforest Electric

Study & Design Services

• Abacus Archaeological Services
• Jewell Engineering
• RAW Design & Services

The Board That Saw It Through

The Pavilion was opened during the term of the following Board of Directors:

• President — Garry Filson
• Vice President — Mark Ritchie
• Secretary — Amy Elgersma
• Treasurer — Wayne Fleming
• Gayla Bonham-Carter
• Dayle Gowan
• Perry McDonald
• Dave McGinn
• Ann Wemp-Browne

Community Donors

The pavilion was also made possible by the generosity of nearly a hundred Island residents, families, and businesses who contributed to the build.

What’s Next

The Pavilion isn’t the end of the work — it’s a foundation. The Society continues to plan improvements to the fairgrounds that serve the community for years to come.