After multiple discussions with Municipal Council and staff that began this past spring to ensure the continued success and sustainability of the Ferguson Forest Centre (FFC), North Grenville’s Municipal Council has approved a $200,000 bridge loan. The loan is being provided during a critical time in the Ferguson Forest’s transformation of its tree nursery. This decision reflects the Municipality’s commitment to supporting crucial community assets while ensuring responsible fiscal oversight.
The FFC functions as a community operated, provincially incorporated non-profit organization known for its contributions to environmental sustainability, recreation, and education. Specifically, the FFC operates a nursery that has served as Ontario’s largest supplier of high-quality native and non-invasive tree seedlings and nursery stock produced from local seed sources that have the greatest chance for success in eastern Ontario.
After careful deliberation, Council’s approval of a repayable $200,000 bridge loan will enable FFC to undertake a transformation of its nursery operations, while enabling the FFC to leverage additional funding opportunities to secure its long-term sustainability.
The Municipality has partnered with the FFC and Grenville Community Futures (GCF) to pursue diverse funding opportunities that align with the FFC’s business plan. This collaborative approach focuses on identifying innovative revenue streams, securing external grants, and building partnerships to enhance the Centre’s operational resilience.
“This bridge financing loan reflects our confidence in the FFC’s ability to continue to contribute meaningfully to North Grenville’s ecological, recreational, and economic well-being,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “We have imposed conditions on this loan that, once fulfilled, we believe will ensure that the Centre can transform its business operations and thrive in the long term.”
The Municipality is committed to collaborating with the FFC to strengthen its business practices, focusing on sustainability and long-term planning. This includes forming a joint Municipal-Ferguson Forest Centre Committee to address recreational land use and a commitment to ongoing dialogue about the FFC’s financial circumstances early in the new year.
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Media Contact:
Kyna Boyce, Director of Communications
Municipality of North Grenville
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