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End of the day for popular Lake Simcoe orchard

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In Agriculture
Dec 12th, 2018
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The Carpe Diem orchard" "One day a bulldozer will push them all in a pile.' -Kate Harries photo

By Kate Harries – Lake Simcoe Living Magazine

There’s a popular orchard on Yonge Street south of Barrie called Carpe Diem — “Seize the Day.”

That day is drawing to a close.

This area is part of 5,600 acres annexed by Barrie almost a decade ago. Now, ploughed fields proliferate with “For Sale” placards proclaiming them to be prime development land.

There’s no sign that the city is about to engulf the orchard lovingly planted 40 years ago by Henry Boer and his son-in-law John Juffermans. But news is getting out and long-time customers arrive to learn that this is the last season for stocking up on fresh-pressed cider and favourite varieties of apples.

“Yes, it’s sold,” Juffermans says. “You can’t farm in the middle of development. A lot of people are upset that we’re ending it – this is a very social business, and we’re part of many families’ traditions. But it’s time.”

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3 Responses to “End of the day for popular Lake Simcoe orchard”

  1. Ann says:

    Fantastic write-up Kate, very interesting, but very sad that it’s all going to be destroyed.
    That’s what they call progress nowadays. )-:

  2. Connie Spek says:

    We have been enjoying the fruits of Carpe Diem farm since first taking our daughter’s nursery school class there for wonderful apples over 30 years ago. But the farm produces so much more: raspberries, gooseberries, ground cherries, all sorts of veggies including a super variety of squashes and many many homemade jams, jellies and pickles. Each season has been marked by wonderful fresh from the farm delights. This is really eating locally. However the loss to the community is not only excellent farm produce but also the many market “friends” who have watched John’s family grow up along with their own.

  3. Lisa says:

    Avalon Orchard ten minutes further south has also shut down, both bought out for development.

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