The C-N-E is the latest big festival cancelled due to COVID-19. This is only the second time in its 142-year history that it has closed entirely.The last time was during the Second World War, when the site was transformed into a training and recruitment centre. Like many, Premier Doug Ford says he grew up going to the ‘Ex. “I remember going to the C-N-E with $5, $10 dollars in my hand and you’d be there all day but these are some of the sacrifices we’re making as a society and I’m going to miss it,” said Ford.

The C-N-E is one of the largest fairs in North America and attracts more than 1.4 million visitors each year. Other big events already cancelled include Toronto’s Pride Parade, Caribbean Carnival, the Calgary Stampede, live Canada Day events in Ottawa.