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Fernie endorses Community EcoGarden
By Erin Knutson
The City of Fernie renewed its support for the Community EcoGarden at its Monday (Mar. 8) meeting as part of an initiative that Wildsight Elk Valley has cultivated over the past 18 years.
The EcoGarden will celebrate its 18th Anniversary this summer with Wildsight thrilled by the city’s continued endorsement.
“I’m excited that council is reaffirming its support for the EcoGarden this evening,” said Dawn Deydey, community program coordinator for the Wildsight Elk Valley Branch.
Since it arrived in 2003, the garden has been an educational tool for the community while allowing members to grow and harvest their own crop in individualized garden plots.
Deydey presented to mayor and council touting the EcoGarden’s success while updating council on the garden’s upcoming projects.
Funding from a CBT food access grant will allow the EcoGarden to expand, according to Deydey.
“This year, we are already seeing a higher than average returning number of plot holders, and with a low-income housing development soon to be our neighbours – more plots couldn’t come at a better time,” she said.
The Community Foundation of Canada Investment Readiness Program has also given financial support to the organization to develop a hydroponic containment farm.
“This project would allow us to grow leafy greens 365 days a year, so some exciting potential there – we would like to thank the City of Fernie for its continued support,” said Deydey.
Mayor Ange Qualizza confirmed details on the project while applauding Deydey on their success.
“Congratulations on both of those grants. That’s really exciting; 18 years is amazing,” said Qualizza.
Lead image: Fernie’s Community EcoGarden (from 2018). Wildsight file photo
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