Old Barns, New Opportunities

Thursday, October 23, 2025

‘This goes far beyond financial benefits.’

By Mary Loggan

Restoring old barns could offer farmers a unique opportunity to blend tradition with modern needs. While these historic structures may show their age, they provide valuable potential for cost-effective storage, livestock shelter, and even new uses like event spaces.

The benefits of revitalizing these barns go beyond saving money – they can help reduce reliance on new building materials and preserve part of our farming heritage. With thoughtful renovations, old barns can become functional, income-generating assets, all while maintaining the charm and character that make them so distinctive in the landscape of Ontario’s agricultural history.

Better Farming recently spoke with Hugh Fraser, owner of OTB Farm Solutions and president of Ontario Barn Preservation, to discuss the value of restoring bank barns and their modern-day uses.

Economic benefits

According to St. Catharines-based Fraser, restoring old barns can bring tangible economic benefits.

“With old barns, the adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ really does apply,” Fraser explains. “Spending a little time and money in the right areas of the barns will save a lot of time and money later.”

Though these barns may be older, they can still serve essential functions. Fraser notes that barns provide farmers with extra, much-needed storage space for basic resources like hay, grain, and equipment – all critical for many farming operations.

“Restoring these structures allows for a reduction in the need for costly new building materials, which can be an expensive burden on farmers already facing rising land costs and unpredictable commodity prices,” he adds.

Beyond basic storage, renovated barns offer versatility. Fraser points out that mow areas above stables can be reconfigured for big hay bale storage or converted into seasonal field equipment storage. The lower levels can shelter livestock, or provide storage for small equipment like tools or machinery supplies. Fraser has seen elaborate storage systems for irrigation supplies and equipment.

Embracing traditional building practices and preserving the farm’s history present potential retail opportunities. Eco-conscious consumers interested in locally produced goods may find value in such a setting. The vast majority of these consumers may never have set foot in an old barn in their lives, so it can be a fun and enlightening experience, he says.

Additionally, a barn’s scenic character could make it an ideal venue for farm tours, educational programs, and events, offering farmers another potential source of income.

Fraser notes that repurposing barns for new uses can yield significant economic returns. “I’ve had the privilege of being in probably a couple of thousand barns in Ontario over my career, and some of the adaptations I’ve seen are incredible.

“Barns turned into homes or businesses, farm markets, farm supply stores, agritourism destinations. I’ve seen barns converted into B&Bs, wineries, wedding venues, event spaces, museums, and even musical venues.

“There are endless opportunities,” he adds.

Preserving agricultural heritage

For many farmers, restoring old barns goes far beyond financial considerations. Fraser emphasizes that the motivation for barn restoration often stems from an emotional connection to the past.

“Many people tell me saving an old barn is about more than financial benefits. It’s about honouring those who came before them – a way to create a legacy for past ancestors, neighbours, and pioneers of European descent.”

Fraser says, “For them, it’s more a matter of the heart than the head.”

By restoring these historic structures, farmers help preserve the history of their family farms and contribute to safeguarding Ontario’s agricultural heritage.

This is especially significant given the diminishing number of these barns. The Census of 1891 recorded over 445,000 barns and stables in Ontario. However, now instead of hundreds of thousands of barns, there may only be thousands of barns remaining – no one really knows because this data simply does not exist.

“The barns’ unique design and materials make them irreplaceable,” Fraser explains. “I’ve studied, measured and photographed hundreds of old barns, but I can honestly say no two are alike – or even remotely alike.”

Fraser stresses the importance of celebrating the distinctiveness of each barn. “Your barn is your barn, and no one else’s.

“When a house, a car, or a mall is gone, it is a shame. But when an old barn that worked like no other barn in the province is gone, it’s a bigger shame.”

The rarity of materials used in constructing these barns adds to their significance. Fraser points out that the trees that once produced beams up to 70 feet long, or ones with cross-sections as great as 15 inches by 30 inches simply no longer exist.

“When an old barn is gone, it is gone. Period.”

Challenges of restoration

While barn restoration offers many rewards, the process can be challenging. Fraser advises farmers to thoroughly inspect their barns to determine what is possible, what may be practical, and what may be allowed in your local Municipality.

“Start with a realistic inspection of your barn. Understand what can and cannot be done.”

Depending on the barn’s age and condition, significant structural work may be required, making renovations costly and time-consuming.

Farmers must carefully evaluate whether the investment aligns with their operational needs and budget. Additionally, different restoration plans may present various challenges. Restoring a barn for practical farming use will be simpler than converting it into a public space.

“When it comes to public use, plenty of approvals are required to turn an old barn into an event space. Zoning approvals, local bylaws, firetruck access, water storage for firetruck use, fire exits, sprinklers, accommodations for people with disabilities, parking, etc. can add to the complexity. Plus, there’s always the potential for opposition from neighbours.”

Fraser emphasizes the importance of consulting experts to navigate these challenges. “There are consultants out there that can set you on the right path. Hire someone who knows what they are doing before jumping into an elaborate plan. It will be money well spent.”

Tradition and modern function

Fraser believes preserving agricultural heritage should be a priority, although the world constantly evolves. He argues that old barns offer a unique advantage over new buildings.

“The big advantage of renovating an old barn over building something new is that you already know things won’t be ‘perfect,’ unlike a new build where there’s an expectation of perfection.”

Fraser emphasizes that old barns have a charm and character that new structures can’t replicate. “That’s why so many couples are clamouring to be married in an old barn.

“Old barns make great farm business offices, too. I’ve seen barns turned into man caves, lunchrooms for staff, family gathering spaces and beautiful farm produce markets.”

In the end, Fraser says, “No matter the purpose for restoring these barns, we are preserving farming heritage and ensuring that these structures continue to hold great value for future generations.” BF