Ontario’s Bill 186, the Growing Agritourism Act, 2024, which was passed in December 2024 and received Royal Assent shortly afterward. [ola.org], [matthewrae.ca]
Overview of the Growing Agritourism Act, 2024 Bill 186
The purpose of the Act is to encourage agritourism and reduce liability concerns for farm operators that open their properties to the public. Agritourism activities include educational, entertainment, historical, cultural, accommodation, and recreational activities conducted on a farm. Examples include:
- Corn mazes
- Pumpkin patches
- Farm tours
- Petting zoos
- Farm markets
- U-pick operations
- Farm festivals and events
- On-farm accommodations [ola.org], [ola.org]
Key Provisions
1. Liability Protection for Agritourism Operators
The Act limits the ability of participants to sue agritourism providers for injuries resulting from risks that are inherently part of agritourism activities. [ola.org], [ola.org]
2. Mandatory Warning Signs or Contracts
To receive liability protection, operators must:
- Post prescribed warning signs at or near entrances to activities, or
- Include the required warning language in participant agreements or contracts. [ola.org], [ola.org]
3. Recognition of Inherent Risks
The Act recognizes that working farms contain natural risks, such as:
- Uneven terrain
- Livestock interactions
- Farm equipment
- Weather-related conditions
- Agricultural operations
Operators are not required to eliminate all inherent risks to obtain protection under the Act. [ola.org], [ola.org]
4. Eligible Farming Businesses
The Act applies to farming businesses with an annual gross income of at least $7,000. [ola.org], [ola.org]
Why It Matters
The legislation was intended to:
- Encourage farmers to diversify revenue streams.
- Support rural economic development.
- Increase tourism opportunities in agricultural communities.
- Provide greater certainty and consistency for agritourism operators regarding liability exposure. [matthewrae.ca]
Potential Impact on Agri-Businesses
Beneficiaries include:
- Farm markets
- Wineries
- Orchard operations
- U-pick farms
- Corn maze operators
- Farm-based event venues
- Farm stays and accommodations
- Educational and recreational farm attractions
