North Grenville, ON – The Municipality of North Grenville and the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation (FFCC) are pleased to announce that they have agreed to work together on a new path forward for the Ferguson Tree Nursery.

The Nursery, a business operation of FFCC, grows and ships more than 1.5 million tree seedlings annually to customers across Ontario. Historically, Nursery revenues have supported FFCC's broader community and stewardship activities.

Following detailed discussions between the Municipality and the FFCC Board, responsibility for the Nursery will be transferred to the Municipality. This will occur as soon as the necessary arrangements can be completed, helping to ensure the Nursery's long-term viability.

This initiative responds to ongoing operational and financial pressures affecting the Nursery, as well as the increasing complexity of sustaining it under its current structure. The proposed transition provides a path to preserve the Ferguson Tree Nursery and its role in the community, while establishing a new municipally led model for its future operation.

Both the Municipality and FFCC recognize the importance of the Nursery to its employees, customers, suppliers, partners, and the broader North Grenville community. For many residents, the Ferguson Tree Nursery is more than a business operation; it is part of the community's history, identity, and connection to the Ferguson Forest Centre.

"The Ferguson Tree Nursery has benefited from the dedication and professionalism of its employees over many years," said Wes Herring, President of the FFCC Board. "We thank them for their continued commitment and look forward to supporting a smooth transition."

"This agreement marks a significant change," said Mayor Nancy Peckford. "But it also creates the opportunity for a new chapter for the Ferguson Tree Nursery, one intended to revitalize an important community institution while establishing clearer responsibility for its future."

During the transition, the Municipality and FFCC will work closely together to provide as much continuity and clarity as possible for employees, customers, and other stakeholders. Additional information will be shared as transition arrangements are finalized.

Importantly, no changes to Veteran's Way Memorial Park, Ferguson Forest Dog Park, the Arboretum, Anniversary Park, Kinderwood, Mino-jichaag Mtigwaaki (the Good Spirit Forest), or the nature trails are being announced as part of this Nursery transition.

The governance and stewardship of these lands, amenities, and programs remain subject to their existing lease agreements.

Contacts

Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation:
Wes Herring, Board Chair This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 613-722-2922
Carl Doucette, Executive Committee This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Steve Slack, Executive Committee This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Municipality of North Grenville:
Nancy Peckford, Mayor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 613-875-3971
Karen Dunlop, CAO, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 613-258-9569
John Barclay, Deputy Mayor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 613-322-8132

Download the Frequently Asked Questions here.