Homestead North

About

Homestead North is a farm and ecotourism destination rooted in sustainability owned by Matt and Caycee Fitton in Goulais, Ontario. Matt and Caycee are passionate about community, connection and living in harmony with nature. They started Homestead North to provide a gathering space for people to rejuvenate, embrace and build a relationship with nature through education, recreation and wellness experiences. On the Homestead, they are beginning a regenerative permaculture farm of fruit and nut trees, and have emerging Maple Syrup production plans.

Financial Need

Homestead North needed to build infrastructure, purchase equipment, and expand inventory to improve production capacity and efficiency. The loan helped Homestead North purchase mechanical tree spades, orchard ladders, and tree saplings, and build a Homestead Hall and Sugar Camp, to host community educational events and workshops.

Impact of the Project Over Loan Term 

Economic Impact

• $50,000 increase in food sales

• 4 jobs created 

• 2 jobs expanded

Social/Environmental Impact 

• Community building and engagement through educational workshops and events

• Support community well being through providing spaces to connect to the land

• Increase in soil health and on-farm biodiversity through permaculture practises 

• Increase in access to locally produced food within the Goulais River and Algoma region