Empire Settlement Act
Vimy Ridge Training Farm
It appears that Vimy Ridge Training Farm was part of the Empire Settlement Act, a subsidized emigration program and allowed boys 16 and over to come to Canada and lean about farming. Some of the boys went to agricultural colleges and others just went to the farms to learn. Supposedly, there are volumes on this program including lists of the people in the National Archives.
The golden bridge: young immigrants to Canada 1833-1939 by Marjorie Kohli
page 231 and 232
Vimy Ridge Farm
In 1923, the British government, in conjunction with the government of Ontario, purchased Ballagh Farm located on lots 9 and 10 of the 5th Concession of Puslinch township, Wellington county near the city of Guelph. Named Vimy Ridge Training Farm, it was used as an agricultural training farm for the young boys coming to Canada with the Oversea Settlement Committee.
The Local Architectural Conservation Association of Puslinch township designated the site for its historical significance in 1991. The desgnation read in part
It is assumed manuy were World War 1 orphans as the farm was named "Vimy Ridge". The woodworking shop, built by the Sorbys (previous owners) became a dormitory for the boys placed at Vimy Ridge. A covered alleyway was contructed between the dormitory and the house, as the boys took their meals in the farmhouse.
The farm could house a minimum of 250 boys. But, at Vimy Ridge only public school boys were elegible. (Public schools in England were not schools supported by public funding, rather they were private schools such as Eton) The property was sold in 1932.
If he returned in 1932, perhaps he was still at Vimy Ridge when it closed in 1932.
Library and Archives Canada
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca
Under the search all, put in Vimy Ridge Farm and Vimy Ridge Training farm to see what comes up. It definitely appears that there are records pertaining to Vimy Ridge Farm held at the Nationald Archives. I think I would contact the library in Guelph to see what they can tell you. There are probably societies in the area that are interested in the history of the farm. There could be books on the subject as well.
From other information that I found approximately 1800 boys went through Vimy Ridge Farm, some went on to own their own farms.
From Rootschat.com
Listing of boys who came from the Oversea Settlement Committee in 1920
http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/immigration-records/home-children-1869-1930/home-children-guide/Pages/farm-training-schemes.aspx
Includes Guelph Mercury article, Nov. 10, 2007.
The Oswald Sorby Farm was sold to Ralph Ballagh on Jan. 25, 1912. After World War I the farm was bought by the Ontario Government and run as an Occupational Institution for the re-establishment of wounded soldiers and named "Vimy Ridge Farm". It was used for the training of British Immigrant boys who were brought over by the Government for instruction in agriculture. Eventually helped secure farms of their own. In 1926 the Ontario Government revamped the Old Vimy Ridge Farm (located off Niska Road). They were trained by the Ontario Agricultural College.
http://www.worldcat.org/title/vimy-ridge-farm-formerly-the-oswald-sorby-farm-1912-1932/oclc/628480968
http://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=detail&itmno=3309