City and IPM executive working together for success

Pulling off an event the size of an International Plowing Match (IPM) couldn’t happen without municipal support.

Ever since IPM Chair Bob Armstrong and his executive met with Kawartha Lakes council last spring to ask for such assistance to host the massive event, Armstrong has been overwhelmed by the amount of city support he and his volunteer group have received.

“We were very well received by council,” Armstrong told the Advocate in a telephone interview. “This is such a huge event. Without city support it wouldn’t happen. We are expecting 70,000 visitors to the site over a five-day period and we are going to need a lot of help to showcase Kawartha Lakes to all those people.”

Rebecca Mustard, manager of economic development for Kawartha Lakes, said the city is looking forward to being involved.

“This show brings people from across Ontario and beyond. Council has supported the event since it was first proposed in 2020. The IPM will have a big impact on our economy and foster local pride. It will do a great job of showcasing agriculture as one of Kawartha Lakes’ main economic sectors.”

Since that initial council presentation, Armstrong and his people have met with senior city staff every three weeks to hash out the myriad of issues that will need to be solved before Kawartha Lakes hosts farmers and their families from North America and Europe.

Armstrong has particular praise for Deputy Mayor Charlie McDonald, Councillor Ron Ashmore and Kawartha Lakes Chief Administrative Officer Ron Taylor.

“Charlie and Ron have taken on two very important jobs with the IPM,” Armstrong said. “They are working directors with big portfolios. McDonald is responsible for volunteer experiences and Ashmore is helming the special events committee. Both are playing a major role in the show.”

As for Taylor, Armstrong said the city CAO has been “nothing but helpful.”

“Ron always wants to know what the city can do to help,” Armstrong said. “He asks good questions. Taylor really cares and wants the IPM and Rural Expo to be a success like we do.”

So far, the city has provided the organizing committee with a $35,000 interest-free loan and $65,000 worth of city services in-kind.
When asked specifically what the in-kind service might look like, Mustard offered some specifics.

“The municipality is working with the organizers to identify what the support will be,” Mustard said. “An event of this size requires considerable organization with the municipality to be safe and successful. This includes traffic management, emergency services, event logistics, building permits and waste management just to name a few.”

In the meantime, the city, the IPM local organizing committee, the Lindsay BIA and the Lindsay Chamber of Commerce are working to make sure that thousands of out-of-town guests enjoy their visitor experience in Kawartha Lakes, have a place to lay their heads and the opportunity to sample the culinary delights that Kawartha Lakes has to offer.

Armstrong said that 40 per cent of the visitors will be coming from more than 100 kilometres away and will be looking for various kinds of accommodation right across the city.

“We expect as many as 500-600 recreational vehicles will make use of the RV park we will be establishing for the show,” Armstrong said.

Mustard also expects there will be “considerable demand for local accommodations of all kinds.”

“Beyond the traditional hotel and motel stays,” Mustard said, “those short-term rentals that have obtained their licenses can be a part of the action. We are also encouraging seasonal accommodations that typically close prior to October, to consider remaining open for the event.”

Amstrong was pleased to report that so far, the IPM and Rural Expo have recruited over 340 local volunteers who will be key to the show’s success, and are looking for another 260 individuals to step forward to assist with the plethora of jobs that need to be done at an event of this magnitude.

Kawartha Lakes will host the IPM and Rural Expo Oct. 1-5. Anyone looking for more information is encouraged to contact Bob Armstrong at .