The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has a strong and diverse agricultural sector that is an important part of the community, local economy, and tourism industry. On-farm diversified uses and agritourism can help farms grow, remain successful, and offer new ways for residents and visitors to experience local agriculture.

As these activities continue to grow and change, the Town is reviewing its policies for on-farm diversified uses and agritourism. The goal is to make sure the Town’s policies are clear, current, and supportive of the agricultural community, while continuing to protect agricultural land for the future.

The Town has retained WSP to lead the project. The review will look at how Town policies can:

• support the needs and long-term success of the agricultural community;
• provide opportunities for appropriate on-farm diversified uses and agritourism;
• support local economic growth and tourism;
• provide clear and consistent rules for farm operators, residents, and the Town;
• support compatibility between agriculture, tourism, and nearby land uses; and
• protect agricultural land and Niagara-on-the-Lake’s unique agricultural character.

Through this project, the Town wants to take a forward-looking approach that supports new ideas and economic opportunities for the agricultural sector while keeping agriculture as the main use of agricultural lands.

This project will review existing policies and recommend possible changes. It will not put any changes into effect. Any recommended policy changes would go through a separate Town review and approval process, including opportunities for public input, before they could take effect.

Project updates are also available on the Town's Join the Conversation webpage.

Greenbelt Foundation

We’re excited to share that the project has received funding from the Greenbelt Foundation. This support will allow the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake to complete a policy review for on-farm diversified uses within Ontario’s Greenbelt. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is honoured to be part of a network of organizations working to protect the Greenbelt’s vital natural systems, farmland, and communities.

Stay tuned for updates as the project gets underway. For more information about how the Greenbelt Foundation is working to ensure Ontario’s 2 million-acre Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous, visit www.greenbelt.ca.