The family has owned the 330-acre farm for over 200 years
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
Markham, Ontario’s Whittamore’s Farm is closing its gates to the public when the season ends in November.
After 34 years of running the farm with only one summer off, the family needs a break, Mike Whittamore, the farm’s pick-your-own owner/operator, told CBC.
The Whittamore family has owned the 330-acre farm, which is located next to the Rouge River Valley, since 1804. The family’s forefather and great-grandfather worked the same land.
After the 2017 season, the family plans to reassess their lives and decide their next steps.
“We are making the change to rebalance our lives and pursue other interests and opportunities,” Whittamore said in an April 25 statement on the farm’s website.
The land hasn't been sold to developers, the farm's Facebook page says.
The family will continue to own and farm the land but the Farm Shop, Fun Farm Yard, pick-your-own and Pumpkinland facilities will close, according to the statement.
Visitors took to the farm’s Facebook page to share memories and messages of support after news of its closure broke.
“I just heard the news (and) I am so deeply saddened,” Shannon Belmore wrote. “Since moving to Pickering six years ago I have gone to your lovely farm with my children and without.
The memories that I have of your farm are all wonderful. I along with so many others no doubt wish you would reconsider.”
“My family has made going to your farm a family tradition for the last 10 years…,” wrote Winnie Chow. “…best wishes to all, your farm will be missed.”
“Thank you for being a part of our family’s traditions all these years,” said Viya Kro.
Farms.com has reached out to Whittamore’s Farm for more information on the decisions surrounding the farm’s closing and the types of crops they’ll produce afterwards.