Pontiac Ag. Society re-elects president, reports record profit at AGM
Cathy Fox
Published February 12, 2025.
SHAWVILLE – A good-sized crowd attended the Pontiac Agricultural Society’s annual general meeting on Thursday, January 30, at the fairgrounds.
Board president Ralph Lang was unable to attend due to illness but, in a letter, praised the team for their participation and support over the past term. He also expressed his desire to continue in the role. Lang was unanimously re-elected, along with 35 mostly returning directors, with a few new faces joining the board. This marks his second term as president.
Treasurer Heather Dale reported a record financial profit of $439,000—an increase over the past four years—despite significant spending on improvements. These included repairing and painting four roofs, installing three new sets of doors in the arena, and painting or repairing seating, walkways, entrance walls, and bleachers. Other upgrades involved painting the outdoor multi-functional ring, exterior doors for all buildings, and two food booths, as well as installing animal barriers, new flooring in the kitchen, and heating units in the Ladies Hall. The old museum was also refinished, and the heavy horse barn was resurfaced.
The biggest development approved for the coming year is the construction of a 40-by-60-foot commercial kitchen and storage area as an addition to the Ladies Hall. Architectural plans were on display at the meeting. The project, fully funded by proceeds from the Shawville Fair, will be certified as a commercial kitchen, enhancing the versatility of the 150- and 400-person rental halls and providing a valuable resource for the community.
All capital projects planned for the past year were completed, except for a new building, which has been pushed to the coming year.
A bylaw change was also passed unanimously, allowing non-residents of Quebec to serve as board members.
With the approval of key projects and a strong financial position, the Pontiac Ag. Society is set for another busy year. The successful completion of major improvements and the upcoming commercial kitchen project highlight the society’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the fairgrounds. As planning for the next Shawville Fair begins, board members will once again turn their efforts to organizing one of the region’s most anticipated events.
Photo – Attendees at the Pontiac Ag. Society AGM, Jan. 20, in Shawville. (CF)
