Across Ontario, centuries-old barns are vanishing; taking rural history with them. Factors like urban sprawl, neglect, and rising property values have placed immense pressure on landowners to replace rather than restore. Many barns are demolished because they’re seen as obsolete, expensive to repair, or standing in the way of development. Yet once these structures are gone, so too are the stories, techniques, and history they hold.
Preservation is not just about nostalgia—it’s about safeguarding cultural and architectural assets. Ontario Barn Preservation raises awareness about the threats to our rural heritage and offers resources for those willing to protect it. By providing documentation, technical guidance, and advocacy, OBP helps prevent the irreversible loss of these icons. It’s not too late to reverse the trend, but it takes collective action from municipalities, communities, and property owners to recognize that these barns are worth saving. Join us in preserving Ontario’s rural legacy. Reach out and explore our work at Ontario Barn Preservation.