Area residents are aiming to restore a landmark vacation home and boarding house in Gore.

Héritage Kerr’s Farm, located on chemin Kerr off Route 329, recently became a registered non-profit organization. A Board of Directors was formed, and the first official meeting took place on Thursday, June 12.

Founded in 1833, Kerr’s Farm has been integral to Gore’s local heritage for almost 200 years! Originally a family-owned farm, the Kerrs were one of the first 200 families who lived in the Lakefield area. Kerr’s Farm became a popular vacation destination in the 1930’s under the leadership of Amos Kerr, former Mayor of Gore. For decades, the farm was the setting for cherished memories shared by many local families. However, over time, the farm gradually lost its former sparkle, especially throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.

In 2020, Steve Vachon acquired Kerr’s Farm with the goal and his dream of bringing it back to its former glory. Over the course of more than two and a half years, he restored the buildings, reopened the auberge and turned the site once again into a vibrant venue to host private events most weekends during the warmer weather.

In 2024, hoping to reconnect the farm with the community, Steve launched a cultural program open to all which included:

∙ Stand-up comedy shows in the historic century-old barn

∙ Le Marché des Curiosités, a public and community market

The first season in 2024 welcomed:

• 40 comedians

• 1,000+ spectators

• 30 different artisans

• 1,200+ visitors

In response to the community’s enthusiasm and deep emotional connection to the farm, Steve Vachon, with the support of local volunteers, officially founded Héritage Kerr’s Farm, as a non-profit organization.

The mission of Héritage Kerr’s Farm is clear: to make the site accessible to the public through programming focused on culture, community, local history, and alternative education.

Meanwhile, La Ferme Kerr, as a separate, independent private entity, will continue to offer commercial rentals for weddings and private events, primarily on weekends.

An Ambitious 2025 Season for Héritage Kerr’s Farm!

• 17 comedy shows already scheduled

• 600+ tickets sold to date

• 61 comedian performances

• Bilingual programming: 60% French / 40% English

• 12 summer markets with 60+ artisans already confirmed

• Live music, in collaboration with SuperFolk Festival (Morin-Heights)

• Christmas Market 2025 which will double in size, with both the barn and reception hall

used for exhibitors

Héritage Kerr’s Farm is currently seeking:

• Volunteers who are passionate about supporting community programming that

strengthens local identity and human connection

• Local sponsors and partners

Each month, our events attract hundreds of visitors and provide valuable visibility to over 260,000 residents through our growing online presence.

It’s a unique opportunity to support your community while boosting your local business visibility.

For more information or to discuss potential collaboration contact Steve Vachon at 514-975-2862 or [email protected].