The Cole Harbour Heritage Farm has opened for the 2026 season! For almost 20 years, I have witnessed the launch of the Farm season, and never tire of it. I look forward to seeing the farmyard fill with eager faces, to hearing the gasps of excitement when meeting new spring piglets and lambs, to stepping into farming heritage, on the doorstep of the city, to feeling the joy and beauty of a new growing season, and to sharing in the memories and stories that will be told. It’s so wonderful to Bring the Farm to Life!
2026 brings significant challenges for the Farm Museum.
The Farm has been welcoming the community for 50 years; five decades of commitment to heritage conservation, rural connection, and community place-making. Tough times are not uncommon, but 2026 brings an unexpected challenge. The Community Museum Assistance Program, upon which the Farm’s operations depend, has been reduced for the first time ever! The Provincial Archival Development Program, which provides resources for our community archives, has been eliminated entirely. This year, more than ever, we need your support to keep the Farm going.
Provincial budget cuts are directly impacting our operations.
We are committed to weathering this challenge, but the impact is significant. Our leadership team has been reduced and program rollbacks are looming. As an independent community museum, we are accustomed to hard work — the CHRHS has raised the majority of its operating funds for more than 30 years. The suddenness of these cuts, however, is grave, and we cannot meet this challenge alone.
With your help, the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum can continue to steward and foster the community’s cultural heritage for all.
Despite this setback, we are hopeful we can maintain our standard operating season, and preserve our pay-what-you-can admission model and free entry to our most popular community events. This is an essential part of who we are, and it’s more important than ever that everyone can connect with their rural roots and community heritage.
Will you help us Bring the Farm to Life this season?
