Protecting Ferguson Forest Centre: Why Selling the 13 Acres Breaks a Community Promise

In the 1990s, the Ferguson Forest Centre—then known as the G. Howard Ferguson Forest Station—faced closure by the Ontario government as part of widespread budget cuts. The community came together, and after much advocacy, the land was purchased by Oxford Township in 1997 with a promise that the land would always remain agricultural.

When Oxford Township purchased the land from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), one important condition was made clear: the land would not be rezoned. This meant the property could not be sold to developers or used for anything other than agricultural and environmental purposes. Local leaders like Don Cameron and Owen Fitz’gerald stood firm in their decision to ensure that the land would always serve its original purpose—supporting tree growth for reforestation and preserving the environment for future generations.

Thanks to this promise, Ferguson Forest Centre was saved. Over time, it became a community hub for both reforestation efforts, outdoor recreation and environmental education. The land was protected, and the community trusted that it would continue to be a vital resource.

Why Selling the 13 Acres Breaks the Original Promise

Today, the proposal to sell 13 acres of this land directly contradicts the promise made by previous councils to keep the land zoned as agricultural. While the land is still classified as agricultural, selling it would remove the community’s oversight and control over how it is used in the future. Even if the zoning remains agricultural, the land could potentially be sold to private owners, which would go against the original agreement that the land would serve the public.

Additionally, selling the land contradicts Ferguson Forest Centre’s mission, which includes protecting the environment, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring that the land benefits the local ecosystem. 

Zoning Matters

Zoning laws are important because they protect the way land is used. For Ferguson Forest Centre, agricultural zoning ensures that the land is only used for purposes that benefit the environment and the community. 

The Ferguson Forest Centre was saved from being closed because of the community’s belief in its importance. In the 1990s, when the Ontario government wanted to shut it down, local volunteers came together to take care of the land and its trees. sense of community responsibility for the land was a key part of why the Forest Station survived.

The current proposal to sell the 13 acres ignores this history and the promises made to protect the land. 

The 13 acres at Ferguson Forest Centre represent more than just land. They symbolize the community’s dedication to protecting the environment and keeping promises made to future generations. Selling the land would break the commitment that was key to saving the Forest Station in the first place. North Grenville Council needs to honor the legacy of Ferguson Forest Centre to preserve both our land and the Ferguson Forest Centre mission.

How the Ferguson Forest Centre was saved