Nearly half a million dollars invested in Vergers Ivanhoë Faille

Erected on Covey Hill in Franklin, with a breathtaking view of the Haut Saint-Laurent valley, the new facilities at Vergers Ivanhoë Faille were officially opened last Friday with many invited guests in attendance.

”This project has been five years in the making, recounts Ivanhoë Faille, who runs the business with his spouse, Johanne Yelle. Now we will be able to process our maple, apple and blueberry products.”

The new building is 6,300 square feet and has been named “Le Pavillon du Verger.” Located on chemin Brooks, it includes a spacious reception room, a large kitchen as well as storage space. Ivanhoe Faille himself supervised the construction, which began in June and was completed last week.

The $450,000 investment will create a dozen seasonal jobs, in addition to the 40 some jobs involved in the orchard operations. Open seven days a week  until November 1st, a variety of ready-made goods and home-grown products from the region will be offered. Light meals will also be served at lunch time.

The site also includes walking trails, mentioned Faille, which are used for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Well known in the region, Ivanhoë Faille acquired these 323 acres from his father, Gérard, in 1987. His father was among the first in the region to cultivate Highbush blueberries, recalls Faille proudly.

Translated by Cathleen Johnston