The Old Imperial Farmers’ Market is named after the original company operating this building in 1946, Imperial Leaf Tobacco Co. Not only was Imperial Tobacco a main employer for the residents of Aylmer, it also fueled Canada’s economy, exporting over 20 ton of tobacco each year!

However, in 2005 Imperial Tobacco restructured their company and suddenly moved their plants to Mexico resulting in the loss of many jobs in the Elgin County area. After sitting abandoned for a few years a few local businessmen scrounged their money together and purchased the building.

In 2010 the Old Imperial Tobacco Plant became the Elgin Innovation Centre, looking to bring back jobs into Elgin County.