Growing community

St. James-Assiniboia

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This article was published 05/07/2023 (917 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new community garden in St. James is sprouting with potential.

On June 24, Green Haven Community Garden was officially opened on the grounds of Deer Lodge Community Centre (323 Bruce Ave.). The project, which was spearheaded by Deer Lodge CC president Breanna Sawatzky and St. James MLA Adrien Sala, aims to bring folks from the neighbourhood together, including residents of seniors’ condominiums Bruce Park Place and new Canadians living in nearby Habitat for Humanity homes, as well as students from Linwood School.

“We are so excited about this opportunity to offer a community garden through the Deer Lodge Community Club,” Sawatzky said in a statement.

Over $20,000 in funding and supplies for the project was raised by a number of sponsors, including Winnipeg Airports Authority and Star Builders.

“It just seemed like everyone wanted to help to make it happen. Anytime I picked up the phone, people were eager to support, because they believed in what we were doing,” Sala said. “The vision was to bring all these folks together with free access to seeds, tools, space, to create a zero barrier garden to make our community an even better.”

The garden is made up of a total of 12 four-by-eight foot raised garden boxes, as well as some apple trees and garden arbors built be West Winnipeg Men’s Shed.

“They were a huge part of making this happen,” Sala noted.

The boxes are divvied up between the seniors, newcomers, and students, Sala explained, with the intention of creating a space where everyone can spend time together outdoors.

“It’s more important than ever to make those opportunities and build those relationships in that way,” Sala said. “The world feels like a fragile place. On a local level, we can help build tighter knit communities.”

Darlene Lewis is one of four residents of Bruce Park Place who have started gardening at Green Haven.

“I feel good about this project,” said Lewis, a lifelong gardener who downsized from a home to a condo some years ago. ”Having a raised bed, that was appealing. We’re growing beets, carrots, radishes, onions, and one tomato plant.”

While harvest is still a ways away, for Lewis, the experience is already yielding dividends.

“I have met some new people,” she said. “I’ve had wonderful conversations. It seems each time I go, there’s someone new to meet, and I haven’t even met the gardeners. I like the idea that the school has their two little garden beds. They’ve planted beans and beans come up really quick. That’s neat for the kids. I can’t wait to meet the other gardeners.”