Location unveiled for future urban farm at corner of Harwood Avenue and Rossland Road in Ajax

Whitby, Ontario – Yesterday, Durham College in partnership with Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Division (Invest Durham), unveiled the temporary location for the new Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture’s (Barrett Centre) urban farm at a groundbreaking ceremony in Ajax.  

John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, joined Bob and Francine Barrett of The Barrett Family Foundation; Don Lovisa, President, Durham College; Kelly O’Brien, Associate Dean, Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science, Durham College; Deputy Mayor of Ajax, Marilyn Crawford; and representatives from Invest Durham and Durham College, to break ground at the site located south of J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate at the corner of Rossland Road and Harwood Avenue North in Ajax.

In September 2021, thanks to the generous support of The Barrett Family Foundation, Durham College launched the Barrett Centre—which has a vision to become an internationally recognized hub of excellence in urban agricultural practices, research, education and training. This includes a dynamic urban farm and an education and research program—to turn undeveloped land in Durham Region into a vibrant, active farm that supports the community.

The Regional property is being provided on an interim basis to create and operate the urban farm, which will introduce new educational programs and training; provide support and coaching about urban agriculture initiatives for traditionally underserved and marginalized communities; and build a team of highly respected experts to establish Durham Region as an internationally recognized centre of innovation in sustainable urban agriculture.

Quotes

“Durham Region is a destination of choice for investment in urban, indoor and vertical farming. Our innovation community is using forward-thinking to adopt sustainable practises that will help combat critical issues like climate change, food access and food insecurity. Durham College is a recognized leader in urban agriculture education and we are thrilled to unveil the development site for this incredible centre of innovation—one that will have profound positive impact on communities, locally, nationally and globally for generations to come.”

– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

“Durham College is excited to establish this new partnership made possible by the support of the Barrett Family Foundation and the Region of Durham. As we establish the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture, together we will lead the way to a more resilient, inclusive, collaborative and diverse food system for Durham Region, Ontario and beyond.”

– Kelly O’Brien, Associate Dean, Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science, Durham College

Quick Facts

• This location is being provided by the Regional Municipality of Durham for the Barrett Centre’s urban farming project on an interim basis, until it is required for infrastructure expansion.
• Durham Region is committed to supporting and growing the agri-food sector. In 2019, the Durham Region Local Food Business Retention and Expansion Project surveyed more than 60 local food businesses to create a system-wide approach for accessing local food, supporting local agri-businesses and enhancing food literacy.
• In 2021, the Agriculture Workforce Project was developed to inform Durham Region residents of careers in agriculture and agri-food production, their essential role in the region and to encourage residents to enter careers in the agriculture industry.
• The Barrett Family’s significant philanthropic gift-giving has supported a broad range of causes. Charitable sectors that have benefitted include: education, environment, humanitarian causes, health and the arts.
• The Foundation’s interests and resources are focused on supporting people in the acquisition of skills applicable to their workplace success. They do this by partnering with organizations that will provide opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge for effectiveness in their chosen careers, to innovate new strategies that will make the planet safer and more productive and to better serve people living on the margins so they can face their futures with confidence and self-respect.

To learn more about the Barrett Centre and explore potential partnership opportunities, please contact Brenna Ireland, Barrett Centre Partnership Manager, Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science at Brenna.Ireland@DurhamCollege.ca.

About Durham Region

Durham Region is—simply—more. Located on the eastern side of the GTHA, Durham is a region with momentum. Offering a competitive advantage like no other, Durham is a community where talented, smart, diverse and ambitious people—known for their innovation, creativity, skills and education—bring access to world markets, insights, invention and traditions. A place where an innovative ecosystem helps propel new ideas forward. Where ingenuity and industry help tackle global challenges. Visit durham.ca to learn more about one of Canada’s fastest growing communities.

– 30 –

For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.