Ontario farmer rejects C$16 million offer to protect his 164-acre fruit farm​on October 23, 2026 at 4:38 am

Charles Stevens and his family have decided to protect Wilmot Orchards by placing a conservation easement on the property. This easement effectively restricts future development for nearly 1,000 years, ensuring continued agricultural use. Their decision counters pressures from developers seeking to convert farmland into housing. The Stevens family aims to preserve the land for future generations of farmers.