Community design sessions held

On August 24 and 25, community design sessions were held to explore the site and possible designs for the Community Garden and GreenShed. The location for the project was confirmed - between the Youth Centre and Bingo Hall, replacing the storage shack currently located on site. The location of the GreenShed gives the Garden project a presence in the core area, while connecting people back into the site.

The GreenShed has four main components:

1. Market stall / covered walkway (a place to sell and distribute produce from the garden)
2. Storage shed (a place to store gardening tools and equipment, possible cold storage for produce)
3. Greenhouse (a place to plant early, extend the growing season and teach about gardening)
4. Covered seating area / tractor port (a place that provides seating / shade for gardeners, and a spot to park the garden tractor)

Preliminary site plan showing the approximate location of the GreenShed and Gardens.

The GreenShed will be built using as much local materials and labour as possible. Some materials available include: straw bales, windows that have been replaced by the housing department and surplus lumber. The way the GreenShed is built will also be a test for larger community projects, such as the Community Hall, which will also be located in the core area. The north wall will be made of straw bale panels to explore this building material and process in a smaller scale building. These projects reinforce one another, and start to create a more vibrant, safe and active community core.

Other considerations include how to get water to the site to water the community garden - some have suggested using a simple pump to bring water in from the lake. The large garden will be located behind the current Youth Centre, and will be about 50 feet x 65 feet. This is large enough to plant a number of crops next spring, but small enough to be manageable for the first season. The soil will be cultivated this fall. A smaller garden close to the GreenShed could be home to herbs and other plants, perhaps in raised beds.

Planning Work Group members measure out the site for the garden.

Approximate size and location of the large garden (looking southeast from the bingo hall).