In Tiverton, Ontario, a 37-acre property marks a major milestone as the Ontario Farmland Trust’s (OFT) first-ever donation of farmland. This exciting chapter began in mid-2022, when we responded to a news article highlighting the late landowners’ wish to gift their land to a charitable organization.
Ann and Eugene Bourgeois, the original owners, operated the farm as a fair trade wool business known as The Philosopher’s Wool Company. Together, they raised and sheared sheep, spun wool, and sold handcrafted woollen products in their storefront on the property. Eugene had a profound vision: that the farm would not be sold after his passing, but instead preserved to benefit the public for generations to come.
OFT is proud to carry forward that vision by protecting the property’s ecological features, creating opportunities for new and young farmers to establish their businesses. The Philosopher’s Wool Company continues to operate on-site, carrying on the Bourgeois legacy.
The land itself is rich with natural features, including mature trees, a river and stream, protected riparian zones, ephemeral wetlands, and farmland currently used for hay and pasture. These grasslands also provide valuable habitat for wildlife, including species at risk like Barn Swallows, Monarch butterflies, and the endangered Butternut tree.
The donation was officially completed in February 2024. OFT now manages the property with the goal of offering equitable access to prime agricultural land and creating an inclusive space for agricultural education and nature connection within the Tiverton community.
Initiatives happening on the Bourgeois Farm
Community Garden Plots
We’re excited to welcome community members to the farm through our Bourgeois Community Garden Plots. Available plot sizes are 20×20 ft and 10×10 ft.
If you would like to learn more about our community garden plots, and/or sign-up to participate, please contact Ben [email protected].
Community & Education Events
We have a variety of on-farm initiatives, including community gatherings and educational workshops and events, occurring at the Bourgeois Property. Stay up to date with our latest initiatives by following us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, X, or subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter below.
Demonstrations Plots
In collaboration with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), the Huronview Demonstration Farm, and the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), this project builds on existing Best Management Practices work at Huronview by establishing field demonstrations at the Bourgeois Farm.
The BMP demonstrations will be co-developed with local farmers and technical experts to ensure they are practical, scalable, and effective in reducing nutrient runoff. Ongoing soil and water monitoring will provide robust data on the effectiveness of each BMP.