The traditional importance of the agricultural economy in the Collingwood area is evidenced by the seasonal fairs held in the vicinity since 1855 and the founding of the Nottawasaga Agricultural Society in 1860. Starting about 1882, a fair known as the Great Northern Exhibition was hosted in Collingwood by the local horticultural/agricultural society. The fairground was on a parcel of land acquired by the Town in 1879 and now known municipally as 250 Hume Street.

In 1907, the Town took possession of the fairground buildings. In 1909, local architect Philip C. Palin and builder S.A. Woolner were commissioned to erect a masonry exhibition and hockey rink building. Town Council took the initiative to build a structure that met the local needs for an agricultural exhibition hall and skating rink, and had the potential for being leased to the Department of Militia and Defense for use as an armoury. The style, form, size, and massing of the building incorporated the guidelines for armouries constructed in Canada during this period of military reorganization, but customized the design and plan for Town purposes. In 1910, the Department leased the building. The eighty foot width and hundred foot length of the building was made possible through the use of the new technology of steel roof trusses. These were fabricated by the Collingwood Shipyards.

This site held a close association with area residents and the larger farming community until the fairground was relocated in 1984. It continues in public use as a curling club, with other indoor and outdoor recreational facilities available. This site is a well known, community landmark.