The High Level Community Garden Association will have more space for public gardening in 2021 thanks to a $30,000 grant the Town of High Level received through the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta. The grant is being used to support food security for vulnerable residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The community garden provides a place for people without the space or access to a garden, and it is located in two places in High Level; in The Village and behind the High Level Christian Fellowship Church.
The Community Foundation Grant made the Town of High Level able to partner with local builders; Derksen and Son Construction to make a number of upgrades to the garden. There are now nine new planter boxes, two greenhouses, four mobility access planters, and a new toolbox.
The Town of High Level’s Community Development Manager, Jena Clarke says becoming a community gardener is very easy. ““When you register, we will provide you with a starter kit with an assortment of seeds.” Clarke added access to tools and water are provided along with greenhouse access.
Clarke says at the end of the growing season everything is cleaned out and the soil in boxes is maintained year round. “I think this is a really good opportunity if you are a first time gardener, or if gardening is a passion but you don’t have the space for it.” Clarke remarked on how it’s a great activity with COVID-19 Public Health Orders still in effect and being able to do it while adhering to social distancing.
The gardens are for any type of planting, whether it be flowers or vegetables, and plots are on a first come first serve basis. Local residents are allowed to use their own seeds not provided in the starter kits.
The newly built planter boxes, greenhouses and toolbox will be installed once the snow is gone, and the goal is to have the plot ready for planting by the May long weekend. Depending on the weather, the plots are usually harvested in August or September.
Registration will open up in the beginning of May.
Photo from left to right are: Jena Clarke, Sharon Wurtz, Cassi Hutchison, and Ernie Derksen.
-Erika Rolling, Trending 55 Newsroom
