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The National Trust for Canada is seeking an exciting and sustainable future for the historic Myrtleville property in Brantford, Ontario.

We are consulting with the local Brantford community to better understand their needs, to solicit creative ideas for potential new uses, and to identify possible partners that can help make this a reality.

 Do you live near Myrtleville or in Brantford, or are you a potential partner that might be interested in this opportunity?

 To find out more and to become involved, you can:

  • Visit us online , where you can find more background information and complete a short online survey
  • Attend an Open House at Myrtleville on Tuesday, September 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. or Wednesday September 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  We will be sharing what we have heard so far and will be gathering more suggestions.
  • Contact us at:   Tel: 613-237-1066 or Toll Free 1-866-946-1066 or by email.

Who is the National Trust for Canada?

The National Trust for Canada (formerly the Heritage Canada Foundation) is a national charitable organization based in Ottawa. We have owned the Myrtleville farmstead since 1978 and we are committed to its stewardship in perpetuity. Check out our webpage.

Why a Survey and Open House?

Myrtleville is a hidden treasure nestled in a suburban area that is poised to expand and grow.  The current programming at the site, offered by the Brant Historical Society with the support of local partners and funders, includes summer camps, school programs, holiday activities and a museum. The National Trust – a registered charity – covers all capital costs and maintenance for the buildings and the site, which represents a substantial annual net loss.

The National Trust believes that Myrtleville has the potential to play a more dynamic role in the neighbourhood and the city, and to build on its rich history that spans from the area’s early land settlement to the agricultural cooperative movement.

We believe a new vision is needed to make it happen: for example, Myrtleville could become a ‘food hub’ with community gardens, farm market, and special events such as harvest suppers.  Or it could be a farming education centre with organic farming or permaculture, a resident farming family and/or young farmer interns, and possibly workshops on farming, gardening, cooking and food preservation.

To be successful, these or any other vision for Myrtleville must meet local needs and have enthusiastic local leaders and partners.  In parallel, we believe there are opportunities to attract new funds and generate revenue to make a new vision a reality and improve the site’s financial sustainability.