CITY transplant-turned-farmer Caitlin hall and her family love minto’s vibrant community life

*Caitlin, Ivy and Tony in their recently restored barn at Reroot Organic Farm, outside of Harriston.*

Tell us about your family.

“I [Caitlin] run Reroot Organic Farm in Harriston and have since 2010. Growing certified organic vegetables and pasture-raised meats, our products are marketed through our on-farm store, farmers' markets and through a Community Supported Agriculture program which offers weekly fresh produce baskets.

“I met my husband, Tony, in 2012, and our daughter Ivy was born in 2017. Tony was born and raised on a farm just around the corner from where we live now and still has lots of family residing in Minto. He works as a truck mechanic in Palmerston.

“Ivy is in junior kindergarten at The Owl's Nest Holistic Alternative School, which conveniently operates on our farm. It is a mostly outdoor-based school that offers small classes, play-based learning, and a focus on raising resilient, capable, healthy students.”

Where did you move from and why did you decide to Move to Minto?

“I was raised in Oakville and prior to moving to Minto attended the University of Waterloo. I originally moved to the neighbouring community of Mapleton and rented land on an organic farm there.

“In 2010 I found my ideal farm for sale in Harriston and moved my operation about 20 minutes down the road from where I'd been farming. Since then, we've expanded to raise livestock and more.

“Minto was a great location as it is close to the bigger cities of Guelph and KW where I market some of my produce, and also close to some amazing beaches on Lake Huron, and beautiful trails on the Bruce Peninsula.”

What are some of your favourite ways to spend time in Minto?

“I have been thrilled with the community events and activities offered in Minto. From Culture Days activities to Minto Pride in the Park, free public skate days, outdoor concerts and makers' markets, most weekends there is something happening in town.

“Our daughter takes part in soccer and swimming lessons, Tony has really enjoyed playing pickle ball at the arena, and both Ivy and I take weekly Highland Dancing lessons in town at the Adele Campbell School of Highland Dance.

“The libraries in Minto are also amazing places with beautiful Carnegie building architecture, tons of great programs for kids and adults, and the sweetest librarians.”

“Small, rural towns are often assumed to be very conservative, and while that is true to a certain extent, I've been pleasantly surprised by how supportive the Town of Minto Council and staff have been of initiatives to set our town apart as an inclusive and progressive community.”

Do you have a favourite local business or place to shop?

“Minto is fortunate to have a wide array of businesses with local owners who go above and beyond with customer service. My business uses OSiM Interactive as our website provider and frequents the North Wellington Coop for a lot of our farm needs. I've also taken advantage of some of the amazing programs offered through LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre.

“On our days off we love to peruse Davie’s Antiques and the Quality Discounts thrift store for neat finds. In the summer, The Magic Ice Cream Shoppe is a favourite place to get a treat and we occasionally treat ourselves to take out from The Bombay Hub for some delicious Indian food.

“I also love to tell people about the hidden gems in town like the Wesley Bates printing press and gallery in Clifford and the Red Caboose fry shack only open in the summer.”

small caucasian child places eggs in a carton held by caucasian woman

What has surprised you about living here?

“Coming from living in bigger cities, I've been truly surprised by how much goes on in Minto for entertainment: Basement Cafe musical shows, the Big Film Fest at the Norgan Theatre, drag shows during Pride week, art shows at the Minto Art Gallery, and lots of great live theatre put on by the Grey Wellington Theatre Guild.

“I've also been surprised at how welcoming and inclusive Minto is. Small, rural towns are often assumed to be very conservative and while that is true to a certain extent, I've been pleasantly surprised by how supportive the Town of Minto Council and staff have been of initiatives to set our town apart as an inclusive and progressive community.

“I've been involved in welcoming some new families to town who have been displaced by war in their home countries, and the community is always willing and eager to step up. I've been a part of bringing the first LGBTQ2S+ pride events to town through the Minto Pride Committee and have been thrilled by the positive response.”

What would you tell someone who was interested in moving to Minto?

“Go for it! I don't miss city life at all. Minto has vibrant community life and a full slate of stores and services in a beautiful setting. It's the perfect location not too far from the city to pop in for an outing, and within easy driving distance of tons of beautiful outdoor adventures.”