Oxford County and Snyder’s Family Farm receive federal funding boost

Synder’s Family Farm and Fear Farm co-owner kneels in front of the new concession pavilion with Dotty. The federal government supplied the popular tourist destination with a $120,00 loan to expand operations. (Lee Griffi photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The federal government, through FedDev Ontario, is investing over $200 thousand into Oxford County to give tourism a boost.

The announcement was made recently at Snyder’s Family Farm near Bright by Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development.

Snyder’s Family Farm, with an investment of $130,000, is enhancing its seasonal-themed attractions to extend the visitor experience. Opening for the season this September, these enhancements will draw more tourists to the area and boost the local economy.

The County of Oxford is getting $90,000 from the Government of Canada to develop and implement a five-year strategic tourism plan to improve inclusivity, community vitality and sustainability. This includes creating trip itineraries and implementing technological improvements to help attract thousands of visitors to the area.

“This is wonderful news for the region. You can see how the growth of the tourism sector takes partners working together. Here in rural Ontario we have what it takes to make tourism a key contributor to economic growth for the entire region,” May said.

“Snyder’s Family Farm is a well-known destination that captures the essence of rural charm and family-friendly fun. With investments like those made today for tourism businesses, communities in southwestern Ontario and along Lake Huron are positioned to attract more visitors and showcase our unique, exhilarating and historic attractions,” he added.

Meghan Synder, who owns Synder’s Family Farm and the famous Fear Farm along with her husband Doug, is grateful for the funding.

“FedDev Ontario support has had an enormous impact on our small business. As a rural destination, our family has been focused on growth for nearly two decades. This investment allows for improvements that a destination of our size needs to continue attracting visitors from all over Ontario.”

Snyder said the loan is being used to construct a concession pavilion and a new haunted attraction called The Asylum.

“When you get to do what we do, which is sometimes for people living in urban areas, it is to bring them out to enjoy Oxford County and a rural experience with the space, beauty and agriculture. When you get to do that and love doing that, it is easy to want to make it bigger and better every year.”

The operation employs hundreds of part-time employees, something Synder said is an honour and a privilege.

“For years we have had students who started when they were in their first year of high school and now they are married with children. John and I are the only almost 50-year-olds that go to weddings and it is because of our staff.”

She added it is great to see their young staff grow up and every year they have a new batch of great people.

“We are a great starting job, and we are also an awesome retiree and side hustle job. This is a great place to work. We don’t just say we are Farmtastic, we are Farmtastic! That’s true for our team and that’s how I sign every email, Team Synder and Team Fear Farm. Without them, we couldn’t do what we do.”

Tourism in Oxford County doesn’t just attract folks from the surrounding counties and cities. Snyder explained they have people coming from great distances for their farm and fear experiences.

“It is amazing and no word of a lie. People from Buffalo and even Montreal I think are the furthest that I have run into. People will drive long distances for a haunted attraction, and I think we have started to get a name for quality. John is an amazing haunted house builder. He designs them, lives them and understands them. We love what we do, and people see that.”

The farm also offers live entertainment and is licensed for those interested in an alcoholic beverage along with food including a pizza oven.

“It’s a whole experience, not just being terrified,” she added.

Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan explained the area has witnessed the benefits of celebrating the authentic experiences that make the county a unique destination.

“This approach has resonated with local businesses, residents and visitors, bringing increased investment in tourism, increased civic pride, and increased visitation. With FedDev Ontario’s recognition of and support for the growth potential in Oxford County and rural Ontario, we have an opportunity to work together to drive transformative growth and tangible economic, social and environmental benefits for our communities.”

The government announced an investment of over $3.2 million for 20 organizations across southwestern Ontario and along Lake Huron through the Tourism Growth Program. It aims to diversify tourism offerings to attract new visitors to the region.