Why an urban farm?

Food is a cornerstone to resilient communities. Currently our conventional food system is based on long supply chains, and cheap, readily available food. Climate pressures and growing geopolitical instability threaten the affordability and accessibility of food.

Developing a farm project in an urban area allows community members to gather and connect there with ease. It brings food production closer to where it will be consumed and engages the people that will be consuming it! We want to demonstrate how to grow nutrient dense food year round, even in the middle of winter. Localizing production also reduces the need for transportation and decreases reliance on larger-scale supply chains, thereby making our local food system more resilient. 

What is hydroponic growing?

Hydroponic gardening is method of growing plants without soil. It’s a way to nurture a huge variety of edible plants (think herbs, veggies, even some fruits) indoors all year round, regardless of what Mother Nature is doing outside your door. In a climate like the Kootenay’s that stays too cold and then too hot for optimal growing for much of the year, this is a huge benefit!

How much is being produced?  How do I access it?

We are harvesting around 600 heads of lettuce or equivalent leafy greens each week! 

We sell to restaurants and food retailers who you can purchase from directly, or enjoy it in signature menu items. 

We also donate 20% of our weekly harvest to various food aid organizations that we partner with including Cranbrook Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Bellies to Babies, Womens Resource Centre, Street Angels, Ankors, and schools.

Why composting?

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It is one of the most powerful actions we can take to reduce our trash, address climate change, and build healthy soil. By turning our food scraps into compost, we can transform our waste streams into a beneficial, value-added soil amendment and use it to protect the environment and create resilient communities.

Will the compost smell? Attract pests?

A well-managed compost pile should produce very little smell. The unit we are looking at has many engineered features in place to decrease smells and wildlife interactions. These features include ventilation, an enclosed unit and regular blending.

Who is involved in this project?

So far to date the steering committee includes:

• Community Connections Society of Southeast BC, Sophie Larsen and Meredith Funston
• Kootenay Employment Services, Kerstin Renner, Regional Community Development Manager
• Wildsight, Sharon Cross, Brand Board Director; Ali Hadikin, Community Coordinator 
• BC Ministry of Agriculture, Jeffrey Nimmo, Regional Agrologist
• College of the Rockies, Deborah Carty, Vice President, External Relations
• Interior health, Seamus Damström, Public Health Dietitian

Is this a business?

This project is a social enterprise with a steering committee comprised of many community non-profit organizations. The primary goal is to grow food for those in need. We d0nate produce to individuals experiencing food insecurity through food aid such as the Cranbrook Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Street Angels, Ankors, and schools. A portion of the produce grown will be sold to pay for farm operations.

This project is awesome! How do I donate?

This is a community project and it would not be possible, or amazing, without the generous support of our neighbors. Donate here and indicate that you are donating to the Cranbrook Urban Farm. Thank you!