Laporte’s Nursery and Greenhouses has been a cornerstone of the North Bay community since 1950, growing from a small backyard garden to a thriving family-run business. On May 3, the nursery will celebrate its 75th anniversary with an open house event, marking a milestone that spans four generations of dedication to horticulture.
The story of Laporte’s Nursery began with Lori Laporte’s grandmother, Tina, who cultivated a lush vegetable garden in Nipissing Junction. “She grew such a variety of vegetables that people started coming by, asking to buy them,” she recalled in an interview with Small Town Times podcast host Dave Dale. “She would dig up what they wanted, wrap it in newspaper, and send them on their way.”
As demand grew, so did the business. Eventually, the family built their first rudimentary greenhouse, which laid the foundation for the Laporte’s Nursery known today. Lori’s father, Jim, took over the business in 1971, leaving his job at Arnstein Equipment to commit fully to the family enterprise.
Today, Lori, who has managed daily operations for 30 years, is preparing to pass the torch to the next generation — her daughters, Kelsey McMullen and Ashley Champion. “I’m starting to feel the effects of age,” she admitted with a laugh. “What better time to get them into everything?”
After the podcast, the ‘next generation’ was asked what the family business means to them.
Jim Laporte plants a memorial tree for his wife, Beverlee, in 2007.
“For me, it just started as a summer job; a means to have spending money,” said Kelsey. “It wasn’t until my early 20s that I started to realize how amazing it is to be a part of such a wonderful family business – a business that started from my great grandparents’ backyard and now becoming part of a history at many area homes.
“I strive to be more like my mom Lori (not just look and sound like her) in a lot of ways. She is one of the hardest workers I know and there isn’t anything she won’t try (like driving the tractor). My sister Ashley and I have such big shoes to fill and I hope to continue my family’s legacy and make them proud.”
Ashley, who alternates weeks here and in Timmins with her husband and son, reflects on the opportunity they have.
Lea Bale (nee Laporte), in 2000.
“Being part of a four-generation family business is both an honor and a responsibility,” she said. “My sister Kelsey and I have grown up seeing the dedication and passion that have built this legacy, and we are excited to carry it forward.
“We were fortunate to work alongside our grandfather for many years, learning firsthand from his experience and wisdom. And just as he laid the foundation, our mother has been the driving force behind making the garden centre what it is today. Her vision, hard work, and dedication have shaped its success, and we are incredibly proud to continue what she has built.”
Lori recalls her childhood spent playing at the garden centre.
“I’m just thinking back to 1971-72, when I was a child of just nine years old playing in the old hoop style greenhouses. Back then life was so different to how it is today. My sister Keely and I played outside all day long only returning at dusk when my mom called for us. We made our fun playing in the bush area of Nipissing Junction where Grandma’s Garden grew into Laporte’s Nursery for its first 50 years. Never as a young kid did I imagine that it would become what it is today.”
Alec and Tina Laporte with newborn Jim in 1938.
“I am striving to continue to provide that ‘Mom & Pop’ feeling my grandparents and then my parents were trying to achieve. That was so important to them. I only wish my Sister Keely and my Mom and Dad were here to share in this monumental occasion of celebrating 75 years.”
In addition to outdoor decor, the store now carries clothing, magazines, and other garden-related items. This diversification, while outside her father’s comfort zone, has helped the business evolve with the times. “He’s probably rolling over in his grave right now,” she joked.
Ashley Champion, long-time staffer Diane Barber, Lori Laporte and Kelsey McMullen at the West Ferris Legion ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraiser September 2024.
The 75th anniversary celebration will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 3. The event will feature live music by John McDonald, food, giveaways, and vendor booths, including participation from local groups such as Clean Green Beautiful and Crime Stoppers.
It’s hard to organize something while still running a business,” Laporte said, “but we’re making it happen.”
Top photo, from left: Terry Hamiton, Sherri, Melanie Gainforth, Russ Hunter, Keely Laporte and Lori Laporte in 1998 before moving to the Lakeshore Drive property.
Writer, photographer and proud father. My mom's family is from the Soo with its Algoma Highlands, dad hailed from Cobden in the Ottawa Valley and I spent my teen years in Capreol. Summers were at the beach on the Vermillion River and winters at 'The Rink.' Born in East York but Toronto never was my thing. Ever since a kid looking out the window on long trips, I imagined living on the highway in a little house with a big yard and trees growing all around me.
