Steve and Michelle Faris have a vision for something new in the area – an apple cidery.
The couple, who own Ernest Cider Co. in Aurora, are proposing to build an apple cidery on the west side of County Road 27 north of Line 3 in Bradford West Gwillimbury, in the hamlet of Dunkerron.
They hope to build a 3,900 square metre cider production and canning facility, for Ernest Cider beverage, while preserving the existing house on the 20-acre property. The proposal includes parking, a new access road, an orchard, and a tasting room.
The County of Simcoe Official Plan permits on-farm diversified uses for agricultural lands; the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, under its current rules, deems the production facility an Industrial use, and the tasting room, a "restaurant."
Faris, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Newmarket, said the couple discovered how to make cider four years ago, and are currently producing their Ernest Cider in a barn in Aurora.
“Four years ago, we sold our first can of cider and it was the first venture for us," he said. "We have grown substantially."
Ernest Cider is also the first Canadian cidery to be Bull Frog powered, through a green energy company.
“We care about our environment and our community,” said Michelle Faris, who has a background in both the environment and marketing, working at a multinational beverage company.
She noted that the couple was inspired by a trip to the UK and Normandy in France, where there is an appreciation of the drink - and thought it would be a “fruitful idea” to start a cidery.
She called Ernest Cider Co. a “social enterprise,” noting they use only Ontario-grown fruit to make their cider, and being as environmentally conscious as possible. The plan would be to send out only one truckload per week, for deliveries - answering concerns expressed about traffic impacts.
Their company has also partnered with the charity, Rainbow Road, and sponsored a ride for Princess Margaret Hospital, raising nearly $50,000 over the past two years.
“As you can see, we put our money where our mouth is,” said Michelle, noting that they had met with neighbours to discuss the proposed facility, and any concerns.
The long-term goal, she said, would be to “market our produce on site, not any different than a farmer with a booth on the side of the road."
The Town's Enforcement department raised concerns over the potential impact on neighbouring residents in the rural area, of increased traffic, noise and odors.
Geoff Kelly, a resident on Line 3 since 1984, worried that the cidery could become a “tourist attraction,” adding to traffic congestion on County Rd. 27. He also raised concerns about fire safety, and the potential for fire at a facility producing alcohol.
“We only wish they would find an approved location for this operation,” he said.
After the presentation and comments, Mayor Rob Keffer said it was nice to see another generation getting involved in farming.
“It appears we have another generation of farmer that’s branching out - and there’s something special about being able to farm with your son, I know,” said Keffer, whose own son helps on his dairy farm. “I think this application speaks to that and I hope the neighbours will realize that they have offered to work with the neighbours and the community.”
As for traffic on County Rd. 27, the mayor said it wasn’t fair to penalize farmers for increased traffic.
"When you have commuters driving through, you shouldn't be penalizing a farmer because of traffic originating from outside our boundaries," Keffer said.
