EcoUrbia Network

about urban farms

The current demand for local organic food is much higher than supply: urban farms (sometimes referred to as community farms or urban gardens) can help to meet this growing demand, including the development of programs related to organic farming, food sovereignty, health, wellness and resiliency. By providing the framework for local food to emerge in, such as schools and community centers, we can teach our children and youth about food systems and farming, and help them to better relate to and respect the environment, while inspiring them to eat healthy, fresh food.

• Aspirations of a Community Farm: How it Differs from a Community Garden
• Benefits of a Community Farm (social, environmental, economic)

AImagine a day…when an urban farm is part of our present day lifestyle instead of relegated to the past or a faraway place…where urban communities & residential neighbourhoods include farms & marketplaces where we can buy locally-grown vegetables picked that day, to enjoy with our dinner that evening. This is the vision EcoUrbia is working to create in our community...one of hope & vitality!

our projects

EcoUrbia is working to build and operate urban farms and urban gardens on abandoned or otherwise underutilized tracts of public land that includes social spaces for use as community gathering areas and enhanced pathways for disabled access. Our goal is to increase access to local, organically-grown food, provide for plant biodiversity and support education & awareness of how our food is grown and why it matters.

We have initiated several projects on the north shore, and are working to increase local capacity:

• EcoUrbia's Proposal for Commuity Farms to the District of North Vancouver (May 9, 2011)
• EcoUrbia received support in principle from District Council.
• Site for first urban farm is under consultation and to be named.
• EcoUrbia's Proposal for Commuity Farms to the City of North Vancouver (Jun 21, 2010)
• EcoUrbia received support from City Council to proceed to public consultation.
• The proposed sites are located at Westview/24th & Larson Park.
• Loutet Farm, City of North Vancouver
• Proposal to Council (Jun 1, 2009) & Public Open House Presentation (Oct 28, 2009)

As a not-for-profit, EcoUrbia will operate the urban farms & urban gardens on a cost-recovery basis. Our intention is to pay growers fair living wages, supported by a strong volunteer base with opportunities for multigenerational mentoring & leadership. Revenues will be generated from:

• sale of vegetables, fruit, herbs, cut flowers through farmgate sales & local farmer's markets
• presale through community supported agriculture (CSA) & restaurant supported agriculture (RSA)
• microenterprises (seed and compost sales, fundraising events, learning & apprenticeship programs, etc.)

Our educational objectives include delivering adult & youth programs with a holistic approach that considers organic & low-input gardening, such as:

• fall cover cropping & mulching
• harvest management
• healthy soil
• composting & worm farms
• beekeeping
• seed propogation
• pest management
• invasive species management
• edible and native plants
• water smart irrigation
• hoop houses
• renewable energy technologies
• cooking classes
• food preservation
• nutritional benefits of a healthy diet

Children’s programs will include:

• edible flowers
• beneficial insects
• cooking for kids
• how to use tools
• how to plant & grow simple vegetables

If you would like more information, please contact us.