Snows donate Pineland Farm to local Salvation Army branch

The Salvation Army celebrated the largest living gift donation it has received in recent history in Hornby Saturday. The organization hosted a reception for James and Barbara Snow at their Pineland Farm to show its appreciation to the couple for the donation of the approximately seven acre property to the Salvation Army. The property on Trafalgar Rd. N. is currently valued at $2.1 million. It includes a 7,000 sq. ft. home, two barns (totaling 15,500 sq. ft.)-- one equipped as a banquet facility-- and a workshop. "The Salvation Army is truly grateful for this significant investment, said Salvation Army Col. Glen Shepherd, second in command for the organization in Canada. "This will enable The Salvation Army to fulfill its mission to be a transforming influence within our communities." Shepherd said the Salvation Army will use the Pineland Farm property "responsibly" and "transparently." "You are making it possible for us to realize dreams in this area that we would never have realized without your generosity," said Shepherd. Former Minister of Communications and Transportation, James Snow, who served in the Ontario legislative assembly from 1967 to 1985, said it was with great pleasure he and his wife turned over the keys to the property to the Salvation Army. "We hope it to be used by the Sally Ann with their three branches in Milton, Georgetown and Acton, to serve the people of north Halton," said Snow. The Snow family bought the property in 1959, and lived there for 47 years. Their four children are grown and the couple has recently moved to Milton. For about 10 years they operated a cattle business at Pineland Farm, until Snow was appointed to cabinet in 1971. They renovated one of the barns into a banquet facility and over the years several political and community fund-raising functions were held there. "For many years we wondered in the back of our minds what we were going to do with this monster we built here," said Snow. He said that wondering came to an end last fall when he contacted the Milton branch of the Salvation Army. Salvation Army Captain Bill Blackman said he was "amazed" when he received the phone call from Snow offering the property. The property was originally part of a 100-acre parcel, 90 acres of which were donated by the previous owner to Halton County, said Snow. He said he has always had in mind that the Pineland Farm property would join the 90 acres in some form of public ownership. Snow said they chose the Salvation Army because it has always been a favourite charity of theirs. "I always felt they were good stewards and looked after their affairs," he said. "The north end of Halton can use some of the services the Salvation Army can provide." Jeff Robertson, Salvation Army Ontario Central Division director of development, said its unknown at this point how they will use the property. The Salvation Army also recently purchased the 4,000 sq. ft. bungalow next door to the Pineland Farm property. A Salvation Army committee has been formed to do a needs assessment of the area to ensure Pineland Farm is utilized to its full potential. "We're going to have to spend some time now to find the right program for that facility," said Robertson. He said if a suitable use can't be found for the property it can be sold, and the proceeds used by the Salvation Army in this area. On hand at the reception to thank the Snows for their donation were Halton North MPP Ted Chudleigh, Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong, Milton Councillor Mike Boughton representing Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, and Halton Hills Councillor Bryan Lewis representing Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette.

Salvation Army Col. Glen Shepherd, (centre) Chief Secretary for Canada and Bermuda (and second in command for The Salvation Army in Canada) accepts the ceremonial (and real keys) to Pineland Farm from James and Barbara Snow Saturday. The former MPP and his wife (above left) donated their seven-acre farm, valued at more than $2 milliion, to the Salvation Army.