Agritourism Strategy and Toolkit

Agritourism, things like farm visits, local food experiences, pick-your-own operations, events, and on-farm retail, offers an opportunity to diversify farm income, support local businesses, and create meaningful visitor experiences rooted in Stouffville’s rural identity.

Under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) Agritourism Uses are uses located on a farm that promote the enjoyment of farm operations or education or activities related to farm operations and includes the provision of accommodations such as a bed and breakfast establishment.

Agritourism sits at the intersection of economy, environment, and community, supporting local farms and diversifying income, strengthening food and drink culture, creating unique visitor experiences, protecting agricultural land and rural character, and building a more resilient, connected local economy.

Project Overview

The Town of Stouffville has engaged Bannikin to develop an Agritourism Strategy and Toolkit to support the growth of local, farm-based experiences and strengthen the connection between agriculture, tourism, and the community. Bannikin will also lead research and community engagement, working in collaboration with York Region.

This project will explore what agritourism looks like today in Stouffville, where there is potential to grow, and what changes may be needed to better support farmers and businesses interested in expanding into tourism.

Background

Stouffville is home to a strong agricultural community, with deep roots in farming, local food production, and rural landscapes. At the same time, there is growing interest in local food, outdoor experiences, and destination-based travel, all of which align with agritourism.

While some agritourism activities already exist, there is currently:

• Limited clarity around what is permitted
• Barriers within planning and approval processes
• Opportunities that may not yet be fully realized or supported

Goals of the Study

This project will:

• Define what agritourism means in Stouffville
• Determine what is working well today
• Identify opportunities to grow agritourism in a sustainable way
• Understand barriers faced by farmers and businesses
• Explore potential updates to policies, processes, and permissions
• Strengthen awareness of compliant agritourism opportunities
• Support long-term economic resilience and rural livelihoods
• How to responsibly grow agritourism while protecting farmland and rural character

Project Deliverables

1. Agritourism Strategy: A roadmap to guide how the Town supports and grows agritourism.
2. Agritourism Toolkit (Local): Practical guidance to help farmers and businesses navigate processes and opportunities within Stouffville.
3. Agritourism Toolkit (Regional): Additional resources aligned with York Region to support broader coordination and growth

How to Get Involved

Your input will help shape the future of agritourism in Stouffville.

We’re engaging residents, farmers, businesses, and visitors through several opportunities:

Current Engagement Opportunities

• Online Survey
  • Share your thoughts on agritourism in Stouffville, what you love, what’s missing, and what you’d like to see in the future. Take the Agritourism Survey here.
• Farm Table Talks (May 2026)
  • Small-group discussions with farmers, operators, and industry representatives to explore opportunities and challenges in more detail.
• Community Open House on May 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Town Hall (111 Sandiford Drive) in the Ringwood Room
  • An interactive session open to all residents to share ideas, experiences, and feedback