Introduction

North Bay did not develop commercial farms until after the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived in 1882. Every type of livestock was raised to feed both the railway workers and the growing city population.  Dairy farming proved most successful on our rocky soil (but potatoes and other root crops did surprisingly well).

Although farming was never a major economic force in North Bay, many of us enjoyed locally-grown produce and continue to support the farmers’ market.

Most of the farms in this exhibit fell within the city boundaries in 1968, when North Bay amalgamated with Widdifield Township (to the north) and West Ferris Township (to the south). Although few working farms remain within the city, we hope that these photos and memories will bring back a vital part of our history.

Exhibit Contributors

Curator: Pat Moulson

Research/Installation Contributions:
Lea Bale
Sean Campbell
Armand Decaire
Tony dePencier
Len Fournier
Deryk Hagar, Callander Bay Heritage Museum 
Dalton Hazard
Glen Holmes
Bob and Kal Hutson
Rosemany Kennedy
Yvan Larocque
Barb Moore 
William and Sheila Parfitt
Cecile St. Amand
Ross Sawyer
Ken Soutar
Roy Summers 
Rachael Thiessen 
Helen and Ben Vaillancourt