The District of Central Saanich is pleased to receive a Province of BC, Celebrating BC Canada 150 Grant for funds towards restoring historic Newman Farmhouse.
About Newman Farm
Newman Farm offers a glimpse of turn-of-the-century farm life on the Saanich Peninsula. The 16.5-acre farm was donated as public parkland to the District Central Saanich by John and Henry Newman in 2003. Having remained in family ownership and relatively unchanged for 107 years, this property is a rare example of a small, subsistence farm on the Saanich peninsula. In addition to the original cabin and farmhouse, other structures on-site include a creamery, garage, chicken coop, barn, outhouse, a second cabin, milking barn, four sheds and two boathouses. Many of the buildings are heritage sites.
Due to the fragility of many of the historic buildings and safety concerns, access to the farm is currently limited. However, in 2009, the eastern most section of Newman Farm, off Lochside Drive known as the “beach field” was opened to the public. Stairs were rebuilt, providing access to the foreshore of Ferguson Cove. Two wooden boathouses were in poor condition but have since been repaired and today are being used by a local youth paddling club. Plans for the farm include restoration of the circa 1900 barn and reintroduction of agricultural activity.
A master planning process was undertaken in 2006/07 to provide direction for development and management of the Farm as parkland. The resulting plan entitled Newman Farm - Preparing a Way Forward established a vision for the park, which states: The community of Central Saanich will care for the Newman farm in a manner that honours the legacy of the Newman family, reveals our agrarian heritage, demonstrates our values and involves and considers our community. Initial actions have concentrated on building repair, risk management, exploring partnership opportunities and establishing a caretaker presence.