Mayor Peckford speaks to Rotary about Surplus Farmside Lands

On June 9th, the Rotary Club of Kemptville hosted North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford, who presented the vision for the future use of surplus Provincial agricultural lands from the former Kemptville College. Mayor Peckford's presentation was followed by a Fireside-Farmside chat with Nadia Diakun-Thibault, President-elect of Kemptville Rotary and moderator for the evening.

During the Fireside-Farmside chat, Mayor Peckford addressed the sustainability of the surplus lands, and compared and contrasted similar projects in urban centres such as the 'greening of vacant land'. Attendees had an opportunity to ask Mayor Peckford a wide range of questions that touched on specific topics, such as the possibility of affordable housing, agricultural apprenticeship programs, equine activities, horticulture, and Indigenous heritage and culture.

 

The Municipality of North Grenville is continually reviewing options for community benefit initiatives on these lands and has been gathering input from the community on how best to use these lands and establish community-driven agricultural and related projects. Much of what remains is well suited to potential community uses, such as Agri-education, community gardens, social activities, arts and culture

 

As North Grenville continues to grow, the Municipality seeks to create new sustainable opportunities for residents and enrich the community as a whole. Rotary is especially interested in the future of the surplus farmside lands and their use. The vision dovetails with Rotary global areas of service: