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.

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

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

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

The Region of York Economic Strategy Division is contributing financially to the budget for this project. In addition to he Stouffville-based toolkit, the consultant will be producing a York Region-based toolkit as part of the project. Creating the two toolkits simultaneously will leverage synergy between the Town and the Region. The toolkits will also align with York Region’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy. Regional staff will also be providing input and resources on the project as part of the steering committee.