CNE cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s just the second time in the event’s 142-year history that it has been cancelled.

The CNE was closed from 1942-45 during the Second World War when the grounds were transformed into a training and recruitment centre.

This year’s 18-day event was set to run Aug. 21 to Sept. 7.

The Canadian National Exhibition Association said the cancellation was “the right decision during this critical time to protect the health of all Canadians.”

The building that typically houses the CNE’s “SuperDogs” show and “Rising Star” talent competition is reserved as a hospital overflow site in the event COVID-19 infections overwhelm health-care providers.

Another venue used for the charity casino and farm exhibits has been converted to an emergency homeless shelter.

During a news conference Tuesday, Premier Doug Ford said the cancellation is just one of the sacrifices that we’re facing as a society. “It’s part of our culture here, part of our heritage going back over 100 years, so I’m going to miss it,” he said.

One of the largest fairs in North America, the CNE attracts more than 1.4 million visitors each year.

Organizers estimate its annual economic impact at $128 million for the province of Ontario and $93 million for the Greater Toronto Area.

Toronto Mayor John Tory says it’s time to “re-imagine” a modern CNE for 2021.

The CNE now joins a growing list of large public events that have been cancelled due to the outbreak including Toronto’s Pride Parade and Caribbean Carnival, and the Calgary Stampede.