‘OME is a not-for-profit social enterprise that was founded by Canadian Actor/Comedian, and Burlington, NL native, Shaun Majumder. Throughout his career, Shaun has appeared on both Canadian and American television alongside some of the world’s finest actors and comedians. He’s seen parts in hit shows like ’24’, ‘Detroit 1-8-7’, and ‘The Firm’. Most notably, he’s been a staple on the Canadian hit TV series ‘This Hour has 22 Minutes’ for nearly a decade, hosts the world-famous ‘Just for Laughs’ comedy festival, and is known for his stand-up all over the country.

Aside from his accomplishments on the screen and stage, though, Shaun has always had a strong place in his heart for where he grew up in Newfoundland and Labrador. His roots had his East-Indian father meet his Newfoundland-born mother, with Shaun and his sister being raised in the small town atmosphere of Burlington and the area. It was those years that shaped him into the person he would become to much of his success, and in turn, allow him to have an outlook on many things that is incomparable to most people in his industry.

The Beginning
In 2007 Shaun bought a piece of land in Burlington for $2700, plus $500 back-taxes. The site, happened to be the same property of his old school from his childhood days. Upon thinking about what to do with the land, the idea started forming of building a structure that would give back to the community and in turn, help foster a sustainable life into a rural town that was suffering from an economic downturn.

The project, from there, became the subject of a television series on ‘W Network’ called ‘Majumder Manor’, which lasted two seasons. While the actual Manor structure wasn’t built in that time, the series documented the evolution of an idea, into the beginning of a much larger and broader initiative that would eventually become what you see today.

Many parts
It quickly became clear that the idea for a large, eco-friendly, five-star manor wasn’t the first idea that needed to be put in place. Instead a foundation had to be laid to support the infrastructure and investment that would make up the project eventually.

HummockView Greens became the first piece of the puzzle, which acts as a source of naturally grown and locally produced herbs and vegetables for the region. Opened seasonally, the greenhouse has been incredibly popular and is also a source of flowers and garden products.

What started as a celebration of the first harvest for the Greenhouse in 2012, has now grown into one of the most popular and sought-after festivals in the entire province. The Gathering is a place where people come together for a celebration of Fire, Food and Music. It features some of the best artists and chefs in the country and is three days packed full of one-of-a-kind activities.

Since the Manor was still a ways away, there was a need to provide accommodation of some sort, and that quickly came with the newest idea in eco-tourism, Glamping. This allows people the rugged, natural beauty and experience while still having the comfort and amenities that many expect. For a more sheltered option, we offer the Pod, which is a miniature version of the manor in the way that it offers high-end living with off-the-grid environment.

Future plans are to expand all accommodation aspects as well as continue to grow current properties. There are also a number of other workings and ventures down the road that will be popping up in time.

What’s in a name?
The Newfoundland and Labrador dialect and accent has been described as one of the most unique in the world. Born from a number of inspirations and birthed by generations of immigrants, it is incomparable and admired by many. As famous as the accent, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are also famous for ‘working away.’ It’s been said that NLers are spread throughout the world in nearly every country. A hardy, hardworking people plagued by decades of economic tribulations, many have found themselves working and living away from the place they grew up, and love so much.

No matter where a Newfoundlander is, though, this island, this place will always be the ‘HOME.’ However, because of that famous accent, the ‘H’ sound will be dropped, and the affectionate place you’ll hear about, is ‘OME.

We want people to look at Burlington and the region as ‘OME. We want you feel like the welcoming spirit and friendly atmosphere that so many have come to love. Most of all, we want you to be welcomed, and leave here telling everyone else … ‘There’s no place like ‘OME.’