As soon as March 1st, the brand new Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre is set to open in an attempt to take on food security issues and connect people with the land through gardening and farming.
The centre spans 14 acres and integrates farm plots and community gardens with a small retail operation for people to buy home-grown goods.
This project was launched as a way to bolster local agriculture, cater to farmers in need of plots, and help garden enthusiasts expand beyond land limitations in order to benefit the broader community.
This project will inevitably address critical issues like rising food costs and local food insecurity in the Saanich community and beyond.
“This project is about more than just land and gardens,” said John Espley, Founding Partner.
“It’s about protecting the land for generations and fostering a stronger connection between people and agriculture, creating educational opportunities and ensuring local access to fresh produce in a time of rising costs.”
The centre’s property spans from 4020 to 4060 Blenkinsop Road, just north of the Root Cellar.
On top of allowing space for people in the community to utilize for gardening and farming, the Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre say they will be partnering with local non-profits to establish educational growing programs to increase accessibility and inclusion.
“This is a model of private enterprise stepping up and supporting the challenges of local agriculture and Positively contributing to the needs of South Island Farmers,” said Shellie MacDonald, President of the South Island Farmers Institute.
The founders of the centre also hope that this project will serve as an innovative resource to those living nearby.
“We also see this a viable option for developers and strata councils, offering them the ability to secure a large number of allotments to serve their residents,” said Lee Smith, Founding Partner.
To make the space as accessible as possible, the centre only charges a one-time membership fee, with the annual community garden costs being less than that of a typical streaming service.
For those hoping to acquire a plot, visit the Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre’s website.
