Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae (Photo courtesy of Matthew Rae)Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae (Photo courtesy of Matthew Rae)
Midwestern

Rae's Agritourism bill nears final vote

Ontario’s Growing Agritourism Act, 2024, proposed by Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae, has moved closer to becoming law after passing a key committee stage.

The legislation, which unanimously cleared the Standing Committee on the Interior, now heads to the Legislative Assembly for a third and final reading. The bill aims to support farm-based tourism by reducing liability risks for operators. To qualify for liability protections, farms must notify visitors of the inherent risks of working farm environments through signage or contracts.

“This bill will help visitors understand the risks of agritourism while encouraging investment and growth in the sector,” said Rae.

Industry leaders, including Kevin Vallier, CEO of Farm Fresh Ontario, and Darlene Downey, co-owner of Downey’s Farm in Caledon, have endorsed the legislation. They highlighted its potential to protect agritourism businesses and bolster Ontario’s tourism industry.

If passed, this landmark bill will be the first of its kind in Canada, setting a national standard for supporting agritourism and rural communities.

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