County. The food distribution hub could serve to aggregate and distribute
regional agricultural products, within Simcoe County and beyond.
John Hemsted, the Chair of the Steering Committee, and a sheep farmer in the
County, said "the food distribution hub is a rare win-win-win for producers,
buyers, and consumers. The demand is there and the supply is ready. The
challenge is to find the means to connect the two in a sustainable manner.
This project will provide the plans to do just that."
Undertaken in October 2012, the study has gathered input from a wide variety
of sources including local farmers and buyers, other local studies, and
reports and activities of other existing hubs in North America. At a
day-long focus group session in March of this year, stakeholders were able
to provide input on the opportunities and challenges regarding the possible
creation of a Simcoe County food distribution hub.
As indicated at that meeting, the steering committee is sharing its results
on the proposed future shape of this regional Food Distribution Hub and is
inviting stakeholders and interested farmers and food buyers from throughout
the county and beyond, to attend one of the three Open Houses being held at:
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Cookstown, Monday, June 17 - Cookstown Public Library at 20 Church Street
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Orillia, Tuesday, June 25 - Orillia City Hall, Tudhope Room, at 50 Andrew Street South
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Stayner, Wednesday, June 26 - Clearview Town Hall at 217 Gideon Street
From 4 to 7 p.m., storyboards will be displayed to explain where the project
is going and why. Project personnel and committee members will be on hand
throughout to answer questions and concerns and provide additional
information. Participants are encouraged to make written and verbal comments
on the proposed design; and all feedback will be given very serious
consideration and follow up.
"This can be a first for Ontario," said Jamie Reaume, Executive Director of
the Holland Marsh Growers' Association and Chair of the Ontario Food
Terminal Board. "This regional hub would be the first of its kind since the
Ontario Food Terminal began in 1954 and could be the focus for more types of product such as meats, dairy, grains, and more."
The train is moving but you can get on board at any time and help to steer
it. Join us in person to provide feedback on the proposed shape of the food
distribution hub, or provide commentary on the proposed plan online at
A draft report will be available in July and the final report is due to be
completed in September of 2013.
For more information please contact:
George Schrijver, WCM Consulting
Tel: 905-478-8523
Connie Brown, Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture
Tel: 705-726-9300 Ext 1224