A new hydroponic farm will soon supply Cranbrook with fresh greens, year-round, as Cranbrook Urban Farm begins operations.
The social enterprise is the latest project of Community Connections Society of Southeast BC (CCS), as part of their “Good Food” programming, and will be supported by funds from the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser this coming February.
“This project is the next step for us to increase food security and contribute to local food system resiliency,” says Sophie Larsen, Food Programs Coordinator at CCS. CCS food programs include Cranbrook Food Recovery, Farm Kitchen, the Cranbrook Public Produce Garden, and the new Cranbrook Urban Farm.
Two modular farming units arrived last week at Pop Price Park in Cranbrook. The units are outfitted with all the equipment to control the inside growing climate, including humidity, temperature, light, nutrients, and water. Instead of using soil, hydroponic systems grow food in nutrient-dense water, with crops being ready to harvest in 4 to 6 weeks, year-round.
Crops from the farm will supply local food support programs with fresh greens and will be available to purchase by the public. Staff expect crops of 600 units per week. The project will expand next year to include composting for the community. As a social enterprise, revenue from Cranbrook Urban Farm will be reinvested in the farm, further supporting food security for those in Cranbrook and surrounding areas.
“This type of growing will add resiliency to the local food system in the winter months when farming outdoors isn’t possible,” says Sophie. “By distributing food through both retail partnerships and food support programs, we ensure those who can purchase our locally-grown greens support those who cannot.”
To further strengthen the project, CCS is directing funds raised from its upcoming Coldest Night of the Year walk to Cranbrook Urban Farm. The annual fundraiser, aimed at supporting those experiencing housing and food insecurity, will be held on February 22, 2025. Participants, teams and volunteers may register now to start fundraising at cnoy.org/Cranbrook.
Nancy Reid, Executive Director at Community Connections says, “We’re happy to direct Coldest Night funds to this important project, and we trust Cranbrook will be excited to get involved to strengthen our local food system and feed the hungry in our community.”
A community info session will be held at the farm at Pop Price Park on Saturday, November 16 from 1
to 2 p.m. The public is invited to ask questions, meet the team and learn about the farm project.
This project has been made possible by: the Government of Canada through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) and the Investment Readiness Program; Columbia Basin Trust ReDi Grants; Rotary Club of Cranbrook; and the City of Cranbrook. For more information about CCS and Cranbrook Urban Farm, visit ccscranbrook.ca.
Community Connections Society of Southeast BC is a non-profit organization whose mission is enhancing the well-being of the diverse people in the Southeast Kootenays.
Recent Comments