Autism Fun Fair in Whitby postponed as organisers seek an accessible new venue

Organisers of a large, family-focused event in Whitby have postponed the Autism Fun Fair originally scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Abilities Centre, saying the venue informed them this week it could no longer host the gathering.

The fair, put on by Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS), was planned as a major fundraiser and community celebration supporting the agency’s ABAforAll initiative, which subsidizes Applied Behaviour Analysis programs for children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities across Durham Region.

Organisers prioritise accessibility over speed

More than 500 people were expected to attend the event, which would have showcased local vendors, community partners and performers. Rather than rush to secure an alternate site that might not meet the needs of neurodivergent attendees, LRCSS chose to postpone while it identifies a new location that preserves the accessibility, sensory accommodations and safety standards the group says are required.

“Providing a safe, fully accessible, and sensory-conscious environment for our clients and families is non-negotiable,” said Renee Hacker, Clinical Director at Lake Ridge Community Support Services.

Hacker said the decision, though disappointing to families, sponsors and vendors, reflects the organisation’s commitment to the disability and neurodivergent community across the region.

Venue change came unexpectedly

The Abilities Centre issued an apology for the sudden decision and indicated an unusual opportunity affecting a non-profit prompted the change. LRCSS reported it was notified this week that the centre could not host the event as planned. Organisers say they will not compromise on the special accommodations needed for participants.

• Event: Autism Fun Fair
• Original date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Original venue: Abilities Centre, Whitby
• Expected attendance: 500+
• Organiser: Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS)

Lake Ridge Community Support Services said it is actively finalizing a new location and will share updates with families, sponsors and vendors once arrangements are confirmed. The organisation urged patience from the community as it works to maintain the event’s accessibility standards.

Local impact and broader context

For many families in Whitby and across Durham Region, events like the Autism Fun Fair serve multiple purposes: social connection, respite, information-sharing and fundraising for supports such as Applied Behaviour Analysis. The ABAforAll initiative receives funds from events like this to directly subsidize services that can be costly for families.

Postponement of such a large gathering can ripple through the local community — vendors and performers lose a marketplace and exposure, and charities face uncertainty about revenue that supports ongoing programs. LRCSS’s decision to prioritise appropriate environment standards reflects growing awareness among service providers that generic venues may not meet the needs of neurodivergent attendees.

Organisers have provided links to statements and updates on their website and social channels. Families and partners who were planning to attend are encouraged to monitor those pages for the new date and location details.

While disappointed attendees await a rescheduled date, LRCSS’s move underscores a local emphasis on ensuring that public events are safe and truly accessible for people with diverse sensory and support needs.