The Ajax Urban Farm open house will welcome Durham Region residents for an afternoon of farm tours, fresh produce, educational activities and sustainable agriculture demonstrations on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Durham College’s Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture is hosting the free community event from noon until 5 p.m. at 1355 Harwood Avenue North in Ajax.
Visitors will have an opportunity to explore how urban agriculture can contribute to a more sustainable and food-secure future while learning about the farm’s education, research and community programs.
Activities at the Ajax Urban Farm Open House
Guests attending the Ajax Urban Farm open house can participate in guided tours or explore the property independently by following the designated farm path.
Members of the Barrett Centre team and student farm staff will be available to explain the farm’s operations, sustainable growing practices and innovative agricultural technologies.
Visitors can also purchase fresh produce grown by students and staff through the farm’s market. Durham College’s Bistro ’67 is expected to provide complimentary farm-to-table food samples during the event.
Family-friendly educational activities will be offered for children and young people, allowing them to learn more about food production, farming and environmental sustainability.
The open house will include opportunities to:
- Tour the urban farm.
- Purchase locally grown produce.
- Meet the farm team and student workers.
- Learn about sustainable agriculture.
- Sample food prepared by Bistro ’67.
- Participate in educational family activities.
Supporting Food Security and Student Learning
The Barrett Centre Ajax Urban Farm operates as a community-based living laboratory combining food production, applied research, education and public engagement.
The site includes market gardens, fruit orchards, hoop houses, pollinator gardens, an apiary, community growing areas and an accessible indoor hydroponic farm.
Produce grown at the farm is sold through regular farm-gate markets. The farm also supports local food-security initiatives by providing produce to community organizations serving residents across Durham Region.
Durham College students gain practical experience by helping with planting, harvesting, farm maintenance and community programming through work-integrated learning opportunities.
The Barrett Centre was developed to advance education, research and professional training in urban agriculture. Its broader mission includes addressing food insecurity, improving access to fresh food and promoting environmentally responsible food-production practices.
Residents attending the Ajax Urban Farm open house are encouraged to wear suitable outdoor footwear and prepare for weather conditions. The event is free and open to the community.
