Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) first emerged at a forum hosted by the University of Guelph’s Farmland Preservation Research Project in 2002. They are Canada’s first province-wide agricultural land trust and was instrumental in having the Conservation Land Act amended to enable agricultural conservation easements in Ontario. This opened doors for OFT to work on-the-ground with farmers and communities in tangible ways to help them protect farmland and natural features of the countryside with Farmland Easement Agreements.
Dr. Stew Hilts, former chair of the Ontario Farmland Trust, in a collaboration with other University of Guelph researchers published a book titled Farmland Preservation: Land for Future Generations. This book of 14 essays provides a range of views and case studies from across Canada, the United States, and beyond. One in particular is dedicated to recognizing the unique and instrumental impact OFT has had on advocating and protecting farmland. This book speaks to the need to preserve the agricultural land base for future generations. The intention is to help the reader understand the importance of the issue and the potential for applying new approaches to agricultural protection, policy tools, and initiatives.
OFT went on to develop new resources as part of a ‘Places to Grow Food’ campaign that supported comprehensive planning for farmland, agriculture, and regional food systems.
Kinsland is honoured to have the support from OFT to partner in developing not-for-profit, ownership and management of farm operations. With their guidance, expertise and the alignment of our core values, they will help Kinsland to be successful in ensuring that the farmland is protected in perpetuity. With their help, we can ensure that the agricultural operations to be carried out in a sustainable and community-oriented way and working together to cultivate and nurture young farmers, while also contributing to the protection of farmland and the strengthening of rural communities.
Elephant Thoughts is a registered Canadian charity, founded in 2002 by a group of teachers, principals and other professional educators. Their goal is to enable teachers to create change, both in Canada and abroad.
Elephant thoughts is a new form of charity built on principles of self-reliance and self-sustenance, a source of educational programs in the classroom and beyond, and a force for sustainable change in education both in Canada’s First Nations and in the developing world.
Everything ET does is done in a spirit of education, with the intention of creating sustainable change. They are determined to bring positive impact to the lives of students everywhere. If you’re a teacher and you’d like to get involved, let us know.
As a teacher-run organization, ET mandate that 75% of their voting membership consist of teachers, either active or retired. This helps them leverage the expertise of hundreds of teachers and education professionals to create some of the most effective and innovative educational programs offered in any school, anywhere.
Elephant Thoughts currently works with schools in Ontario, in more than 100 First Nations and Inuit Communities across Canada, and in Tanzania, Nepal, and India. Elephant Thoughts also responds to major humanitarian issues including rebuilding schools after the earthquakes in China and Nepal, and sponsoring refugee families when necessary.
Kinsland is proud and grateful to have such a thoughtful and inspiring partner on board to support us in the journey to create sustainable changes in our community and future communities.
Please visit www.elephantthoughts.com to learn more about their incredible programs and initiatives!
Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, The Oskar Group is a performance driven team of real estate professionals with a clear understanding of current industry opportunities. Each decision we make is backed by a wealth of knowledge and experience that brings deep perspective on the ever-changing nature of the market.
Oskar Group is customer focused strategic thinkers who are committed to building strong industry relationships. Each of our key team members brings a particular expertise to the process. Behind the scenes, our support team works diligently to ensure each new development reaches its highest potential for sustainability, liveability and success.
Oskar Group companies have a proven commitment to incorporating energy saving and environmentally friendly initiatives wherever possible in both our Managed and Developing properties. We believe that these initiatives make good business sense by providing sustainability and products that are appreciated by the user, the buyer and the community at large.
“We share a common commitment to create neighborhoods where people want to work and live. It’s a unique way of developing land, with a more personal, human approach. We call it The Oskar Way.”
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Whether you are a business owner, farmer, planner, or architect that has a passion for working on this exciting regenerative agricultural project, we would love to hear from you.
A better future is possible. Contact us to learn more about our mission and work, or to become involved yourself.