Farmer Bob good for another five years

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority (SSMRCA) board voted to renew Mockingbird Hill Pioneer Farm’s lease for another five years, extending to March, 2022, at its meeting Tuesday.

The popular local attraction includes several historical buildings, a petting barn, hay rides, a wildflower walk and a corn maze.

The farm is run by Robert Cuerrier (affectionately known as Farmer Bob).

Cuerrier owns three acres of property, which is surrounded by 70 acres of land owned by the Conservation Authority.

The original lease on the land began in 1992 for a 20 year period, which expired in 2012.

The lease was updated to include 10 five-year terms, the first of which was set to expire at the end of March.

With Tuesday’s board approval, Farmer Bob is good for another five  years.

“Everything has been working really well with Farmer Bob and he’s been meeting all his conditions under the lease,” said Rhonda Bateman, SSMRCA general manager, at Tuesday’s board meeting.

A staff report to the board noted Cuerrier has been in compliance with the two conditions of the lease that have been key for the Conservation Authority, specifically financial reporting and payment of the annual fee, as well as insurance coverage.  

“He (Cuerrier) has been a very, very good tenant,” said Marchy Bruni, Conservation Authority board chair.

Bruni, who was chosen to be chair of the Conservation Authority board for another year at Tuesday’s meeting (with Joe Krmpotich named as vice chair), reflected on the agency’s achievements over the past year.

2016, Bruni noted, included;

• cleanups and repairs at Fort Creek, East Davignon Creek and West Davignon Creek, as well as waterfront trail repairs
• development of a partnership with the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association to develop funding opportunities for the Plateau Trail bridge development
• new signage in the Hiawatha Highlands for mountain biking, designed and paid for by the Sault Cycling Club
• an overall strengthening of the Conservation Authority’s general presence in the community
• increased Conservation Authority social media presence and interaction through Twitter and Facebook