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Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre is pleased to offer local food, agriculture and education programs to Eastern Ontario. Building on our rich heritage, the Campus is finding new ways to contribute to our local agri-food system, and to create learning opportunities for everyone.
Projects
Kemptville Campus Community Garden
The Kemptville Campus Community Garden (KCCG) is led by a group of community volunteers and supported by the Campus. The community garden offers a vibrant, inclusive public space to share food growing skills and build community.
The garden was established in 2023 at the corner of Curtis Drive and Campus Drive, to provide space for local residents and community organizations to grow their own food using the allotment model. Start-up funding for the project was secured through the Municipality of North Grenville’s Community Grants Program and the Kemptville Horticultural Society. Garden volunteers worked in partnership with Campus staff to design and build the garden and its infrastructure.
In the garden’s first year, 26 plots were rented out to garden members, spanning all levels of garden experience. Now in its second season, the community garden has taken on new members and hosts many visitors – from local arts groups holding paint nights, to school tours, to visits from Communities in Bloom judges. One plot is managed by the North Grenville Learning Co-operative (also a campus tenant), with many little hands helping to grow and harvest the food!
All are welcome to visit the garden – we just ask that you not harvest any crops without asking a gardener first, as our members are growing food for their households. Surplus produce is donated weekly throughout the growing season to the Kemptville Food Bank, Beth Donovan Hospice and other community groups.
To learn more about the Kemptville Campus Community Garden, book a tour, or be added to the waiting list for a plot, please contact Samantha Lavitt, KCCG President at Samantha.lavitt@gmail.com.
Visit the Kemptville Campus Community Garden Facebook page to learn about upcoming events at the garden!
Agri-Food Business Course
In 2023, Kemptville Campus partnered with the Conseil des écoles catholique de centre-est (CECCE) and Académie catholique Notre-Dame (ACND) to offer a new high-school course in Agri-Food Business at Kemptville Campus. Students from multiple school boards participated, gaining a unique opportunity to visit and learn directly from local farm business owners through monthly field trips. They also studied online and in person, learning how food is grown, processed, and distributed in Eastern Ontario.
As a project, the students wanted to create a local food network comprising of products such as fruits and vegetables, meat, flowers, honey, soap, maple syrup, and more! They built a website that contains a network covering roughly a 100 km radius from the municipal center of Kemptville. Check it out here!
The course content is now available in English and French. If your school would like to offer the Agri-Food Business Course, please contact Leela Ramachandran, Program Manager for details.
Skilled Motive Power Trades Training - TR Leger
Since 2021, Kemptville Campus has partnered with the Upper Canada District School Board’s TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education to offer apprenticeship training in the motive power trades. Programs train apprentices to become Truck and Coach Technicians (310T), Agricultural Equipment Technicians (425A) or Heavy Equipment Technicians (421A).
A range of training options are available at the TR Leger Apprenticeship Training Centre at Kemptville Campus, including:
- Registered apprentices can complete the in-class portion of their Level 1 Commercial Vehicle and Equipment Apprenticeship - and new in 2024, Level 2 CVEAP is also available!
- Hybrid course models allow apprentices to continue working while completing their training (theory is completed online in the students’ own time, while practical skills are covered in-class)
- “Try A Trade” for those who are not yet registered apprentices but are interested in power motive trades - this program combines the CVEAP in-class training with paid work placements in the Truck and Coach, Agricultural, and Heavy Equipment Technician fields.
- Micro-credentials allow students to select specific modules for upskilling, or complete all 7 modules and receive their Level 1 certification
- High school students can complete their Level 1 CVEAP through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Grade 7 and 8 classes can sign up for “Introduction to the Trades” 1-day, hands-on skilled trades workshops
- Many courses are offered at no charge to students
For more information on upcoming courses, contact the TR Leger Apprenticeship Training Centre at 613-258-8519, or visit their website.
School Workshops on Local Food Systems
Building on the AgriFood Business Course, Kemptville Campus has begun offering school workshops on Local Food Systems. These workshops can be a half or full day, and can be tailored to your group’s level (K-12) and particular interests. Workshops can include interactive learning activities, site visits of our gardens, greenhouse and sugar bush, and hands-on projects. They can be hosted on campus or delivered at your location.
Topics include:
- What is a Food System?
- Benefits/challenges of Local Food
- Exploring our local food system
- How can students engage with local food?
- Hands-on projects can include school gardens, composting, growing plants for sale, creating local food inventories, and more
To learn more or book a workshop, please contact Leela Ramachandran, Program Manager.
Regional Agri-Food Events
Kemptville Campus is pleased to partner with community food and farming organizations to host regional events around food and farming, including:
Eco Farm Day, February 24 2024 – in partnership with Canadian Organic Growers and Community Futures Grenville, we welcomed nearly 200 participants to this longstanding event, held in person for the first time since the Covid pandemic, and at a new home at Kemptville Campus. Farmers and others working in the organic farming and food sector across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec joined us for a full day of learning, networking and sharing with peers and experts in the sector. Participants and organizers were very pleased with the experience, and we look forward to hosting the event annually going forward.
Good Food in Schools, April 11 2024 – hosted in partnership with Foodcore Leeds Grenville Lanark, The Table Community Food Centre and the Leeds Grenville Lanark District Health Unit, this one-day event brought together stakeholders working on school food education and programs across Eastern Ontario. Educators and staff from five school boards were joined by parents, volunteers, and community food organizations to share their efforts to create healthy and positive school food environments. From the newly announced federal universal school meal program to school gardens, grow towers, greenhouses and cafes in our community, participants were engaged and inspired. In response to attendee feedback, we look forward to making this an annual event.
Partners and Sponsors
| Kemptville Campus OPERATIONAL POLICY |
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| Subject: Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy | Policy No.: TBD |
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Policy Objective(s):
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Date Approved: Oct. 20, 2021 |
| Review/Revision Dates: Feb. 23 2022 |
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| Applies to: Board, Staff, Volunteers, Students, Visitors to Campus |
Approved by: Board of Directors |
The Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre COVID-19 precautions and procedures require that:
Tenants, in the absence of an approved Mandatory Vaccination Protocol, in addition to Staff, Students (Apprenticeship / Coop), Visitors, Volunteers and Board Directors attending meetings / functions / events, as well as Contractors providing services – must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or written proof of a medical reason, provided by a physician or registered nurse in the extended class that sets out: (i) a documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and (ii) the effective time-period for the medical reason.
Children under the age of twelve years and 84 days (12 weeks) are exempt from this Vaccination Verification Policy.1
This policy remains in effect for as long as Ontario workplaces are permitted to have vaccination verification requirements, unless the Board of Directors decides to cancel it.
Implementation guidelines
Proof of full vaccination must be submitted to the tenant or organizer responsible for the meeting, function, event, or service. The Campus acknowledges that Provincial Government Agencies, and Schools are operating under separate Ministry Mandated Vaccination Policies within their leased spaces.
Any Staff, Students (over the age of 12 years and 84 days) not providing proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 must submit to regular antigen point of care testing for COVID-19, and demonstrate a negative result at a minimum once every seven days to the tenant or organizer responsible for the meeting, function, event, or service.
For all others – Visitors (over the age of 12 years and 84 days), Volunteers, Board Directors and Contractors must submit to regular antigen point of care testing for COVID-19 72 hours prior to the meeting, function, event, or service and demonstrate a negative result. The cost associated with regular antigen point of care testing is the responsibility of either the individual and or the tenant/organizer.
All tenants or organizers of meetings, functions, events or services are responsible for ensuring that contact tracing is completed and available for our local Health Unit, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville if requested, and that all Public Health guidelines are strictly followed.
It is mandatory that Face masks must be worn indoors and outdoors if unable to maintain 6 ft physical distancing: https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/face-coverings-masks/
1 https://covid-19.ontario.ca/proof-covid-19-vaccination#when-proof-of-vaccination-is-not-required
Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre is an educational and multi-use facility serving the community of North Grenville and surrounding Area.
The Campus includes 630 acres and 17 main buildings, as well as woodlands, cropland, wetland, greenspace, green houses, an agroforestry centre and maple bush, trails, and other buildings - sports facilities, residence, and catering facilities.
Campus operations are guided by three pillars:
Education and Training
- Partnerships
- Collaborations
- Applied Research
Health and Wellness
- Arts and Culture
- Music
- Leisure
- Recreation
Economic Development
- Technology Transfer Partnerships
- Business Incubation /Acceleration
- Student Managed Enterprise / Entrepreneurships
Key elements of the Campus’ vision for the future include resiliency, innovation, and sustainability.
Ownership
The Municipality of North Grenville purchased the Campus from the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) in 2018. One of the unique aspects of the Municipality’s purchase of Kemptville Campus is the partnership that has developed with the Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO). This partnership has provided the Campus with expertise and innovation in the education field, as well as extensive knowledge of community hubs and how they can best serve the community.
Not-for-Profit Corporation
The operation and maintenance of the renewed Kemptville Campus is through a wholly-owned not-for-profit corporation, which operates at arm’s length from the Municipality. The mandate for the not-for-profit is to develop the Campus as a multi-tenant site with a mission to serve not just the community, but eastern Ontario, in ways that promote innovation and business incubation, that sustain and grow opportunities for agricultural education and advance health and wellness.
Download the Campus Trails map
Board of Directors
Brian Mc Kee – Chair
Hailing from Belfast Ireland, Brian has lived in the National Capital Region for almost 40 years. After graduate studies at Carleton University, he worked as an Executive in the Federal Public Service at DND and Canadian Heritage. In 2012, Brian received the Queens Jubilee Medal in recognition for his volunteer work most notably as President of the Board of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa and Chair of Cancer Care Ontario Patient and Family Advisory Committee. Currently Brian is a Board member of the North Grenville Historical Society and sits on the Patient and Family Advisory Committee for the Kemptville and District Hospital.
Dana Farcasiu – Vice-Chair
Dana holds a Bachelor Engineering degree in Civil Engineering and has over 20 years of experience in the building and energy efficiency industries, where she managed projects ranging from new construction, retrofits, building condition audits, building inspections and energy efficiency audits in both private and municipal sectors. Dana also owned and operated a successful home inspection and energy audits business for several years. Her passion for energy efficiency and sustainability led her to embark on her new career as an Engineer in the public service. She also has 10 years of experience volunteering in positions where she advocates for the community. Dana is a first-generation immigrant and is very proud to call Canada and North Grenville her home.
Stephen Willetts – Treasurer
Prior to retiring and moving to Kemptville in 2022, Stephen had an extensive career specializing in finance and education. He has worked with Boards as well as Chaired several, with special interest in the strategic planning, human resources, and development of organizations. Stephen is eager to be a part of the unique Campus experience and will bring valuable insight to the groundwork of Campus as a thriving community centre.
Manpreet Shahi
Originally from India, Manpreet came to Canada in 2011 with his wife and two young daughters and chose Kemptville as their home. He did his MBA in Marketing and Human Resource Management, and started his career in the field of outdoor advertising in India. He was a manager of client servicing for three provinces: Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, as well as managed outdoor advertising for the telecommunication industry, automobile Industry, liquor industry, fashion, media (both print and electronic), banks, and many more. Additionally, he managed a high school and started his Bachelors of Education.
After coming to Canada he started managing a gas station in Kemptville, and started a course in real estate. Since 2016, Manpreet has grown his work in the real estate industry. In his spare time, you'll find him playing music, painting, and passionately working towards building community relationships.
Cora Beking
Cora has been around agriculture her whole life. She grew up on farm, and later on, alongside her husband, purchased the family business: Bekings Poultry Farm. In addition to running the farm, Cora worked as a registered nurse for 12 years before focusing on raising her family. She has a passion for volunteering with schools, mission groups, and rotary which led to her being a recipient of North Grenville’s Volunteer of the Year award. Her agricultural background and team-focused mindset will be integral to the growth of Campus.
Jayne Couch Molony
With 25 years’ of experience as an Art Director and 10 years as an Anatomy Drawing Instructor, there isn’t a non-creative bone in Jayne's body. She has dedicated her time and skills to the Arts & Culture community in North Grenville including sitting on the NG Arts & Culture Advisory Committee. Her passion for collaboration and eye for strategic framework makes her a much-welcomed member of the Kemptville Campus Board of Directors.
Policy Documents
Tenant Selection : English | French
Acceptable Use of Campus Facilities : English | French
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act : English | French
Privacy Policy : English | French
Room & Facility Rentals
For event rentals, please fill out our inquiry form. In three steps, your booking will be confirmed:
- Rental Agreement: Upon a booking confirmation, a rental agreement will be sent from a member of Campus staff. Once signed and returned back to campus staff, an invoice will be generated.
- Liability Insurance: We require a copy of liability insurance that lists both Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre as well as the Municipality of North Grenville as additional insured. See down below for how to get insurance at a discount through our partnership with DUUO.
- Payment: After an invoice is generated, it will be sent to the contact on the agreement unless otherwise noted. On the invoice, there will all options for methods of payment.
Short-Term Rentals
Hosting an event? Whether you're hosting a meeting, conference, prom, dance, or celebrating a 99th birthday—check out some of the room rentals we have available! Short-term rentals include:
- WB George gymnasium and conference rooms
- Parish Hall amphitheaters, meeting rooms, and auditorium
- Green space and sports fields
- Agroforestry building
Rental Rates
Please contact us for our rates.
Short-term Rental Insurance
In addition to a lease agreement, we also require liability insurance naming both Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre and the Municipality of North Grenville as additional insured.
Please have a booking confirmation from a member of Campus staff before purchasing event insurance.
Kemptville Campus and DUUO
Kemptville Campus is pleased to have partnered with DUUO by Co-operators in order to offer short-term renters an exclusive, discounted rate on event insurance. Get a free quote in a few simple steps:
1. Click 'Get Quote' button
2. Click 'I'm hosting an event'. This will redirect you to DUUO's page.
3. A pop-up may ask you to login. If you have created an account, you can login. Otherwise, close the pop-up.
4. Click 'Let's Duuo this!' button
5. Under 'Venu Info' type in Kemptville Campus. A dropdown should appear with location choices.
6. Select the name of the building or area* you're renting. *Please be sure to select one with a DUUO Partner tag as to ensure the discount and additional information will be automatically applied.
7. Fill out the remaining event information as per the prompts.
If the quote is accepted and payment is made, a copy of your purchased insurance will be sent to Campus staff. If you run into any issues, please contact Marta Zwart.
Long-term Rentals
Whether you're looking for storage space, office space, or a place to grow your business, check out some of the spaces currently available to lease on the beautiful Kemptville Campus! Spaces include:
- Various sizes and layouts of storage spaces
- Open Area / Classroom Space
- Greenhouse Space
- Defined Office Spaces
If you're interested in knowing more, please contact info@kemptvillecampus.ca
Policy Documents
Operational Policies
Tenant Selection : English | French
Acceptable Use of Campus Facilities : English | French
Cancellation Policy : English | French
Privacy Policy : English | French
Accounts Recievable: English | French
In 1916, Kemptville native and provincial Minister G. Howard Ferguson announced an investment by the Ontario Government of $50,000 toward the establishment of what was to become Kemptville College. By 1919, after three years of preparatory work, land acquisition, and the appointment of its first President, W.J. Bell, Kemptville College was delivering short courses in agriculture in livestock care and crop rotation, plus farm management and other practical courses. The regular two-year agricultural courses began in the fall of 19201.
For most of the next 100 years, first as Kemptville Agricultural School (KAS), and later as Kemptville College - the Campus delivered agricultural and rural trades courses serving eastern Ontario and beyond. In 1997, it affiliated with the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, and in 2007 acquired the name Kemptville Campus in recognition of its integration into the university2.
In 2014, the University of Guelph announced that academic programs at the Kemptville campus would close, once current students had completed their studies3. Immediately, the Municipality of North Grenville, supported by a number of regional stakeholders, expressed interest in acquiring the campus. Later that year, the Provincial Facilitator, Honourable Lyle Vanclief recommended that the property be transferred to the Municipality4.
Between 2015 and 2017 the Municipality conducted due diligence procedures and studies, including a feasibility study by BDO. This led to negotiations to acquire the Campus and ultimately an agreement to purchase. The official acquisition of the Campus by the Municipality occurred on March 28, 20185.
Archive: Kemptville Agricultural School - Courtesy of TVO
Scenes of activity at a special outdoor occasion at the Kemptville Agricultural School are followed by shots in the various classes there in the early 1920's. These show students studying soil analysis, horticulture and carcass and livestock judging. Students are also shown building farm implements and mending harnesses.
1 “A College with a Purpose”, by Phyllis Dutchak, Mika Publishing, 1972
2 Wikipedia, Kemptville College
3 Ibid
4 Background to the renewal of Kemptville College, North Grenville website
5 Ibid
Video Source: TVO Archives
Contact
For all general inquiries:
Email us here!
or call 613-258-8336 Ext. 1
Interested in our rentals? Fill out our rental inquiry form and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.
Kelly Baatnes, Administrative Assistant
2 - 40 Campus Drive,
Parish Hall - 3rd Floor
Tel: 613-258-8336 Ext.1
Email: Kelly Baatnes
Leela Ramachandran, Project Manager
2 - 40 Campus Drive,
Parish Hall - 3rd Floor
Tel: 613-258-8336 Ext. 4
Email: Leela Ramachandran
2-40 Campus Drive
Parish Hall - 3rd Floor
Tel:613-258-8336 Ext. 3
Email: Annie Hillis
Marta Zwart, Marketing and Events Coordinator
2 - 40 Campus Drive,
Parish Hall - 3rd Floor
Email: Marta Zwart
Bruce Jackson, Facility Manager
2 - 40 Campus Drive,
Parish Hall - 3rd Floor
Tel: 613-258-8336 Ext. 2
Email: Bruce Jackson
Melissa Lemay, Finance Officer
2 - 40 Campus Drive,
Parish Hall - 3rd Floor
Email: Melissa Lemay
Kemptville Campus is pleased to have the following valued organizations on campus:
Catered Affairs
HERITAGE HALL – The original cafeteria on the Kemptville Campus is now open as Catered Affairs’ banquet hall. It is ideal for small & large groups, especially for weddings & other celebrated events, with a dining room as well as an intimate fireplace room. The facility is recently renovated, with licensed bar & modern AV equipment for conferences. The campus grounds are available for tented events on the lawn or photo shoots among the ancient trees & heritage buildings.
Heritage Drive
Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Tel. 613-324-3136
http://www.cateredaffairs.ca/
Kemptville Live Music Festival
Eastern Ontario’s largest music festival outside of the Nation’s Capital, Kemptville Live Music Festival is known for bringing classic rock icons to the community. For five years in a row, the Festival has grown, attracting crowds in 2019 of over 24,000 people, contributing close to $2 million dollars to the local economy.
48 Shearer St.
Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Tel. 613-724-6902
https://www.kemptvillelivemusicfestival.com
Ryan’s Well Foundation
Ryan’s Well Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization providing access to clean water and sanitation projects and hygiene education in the poorest regions of developing countries. We educate and motivate people to share our passion and contribute to achieving positive change in the world.
40 Campus Drive, Parish Hall - 3rd Floor
PO Box 1120
Kemptville, Ontario, K0G 1J0
Tel: 613-258-6832
https://www.ryanswell.ca/
Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to realizing the full potential of our extraordinary, historic, publicly owned campus, offering a welcoming and sustainable working, learning and recreational environment for people from all regions of Eastern Ontario.