While the aquaponics project did not receive much traction here, I have spent some time on food security. The City of Markham is considering building an allotment garden at a planned park. Unlike community gardens, the allotment model is city-owned and rents plots on an annual/seasonal basis to residents. This model is more practical in neighborhoods where no garden association exists, drawing residents and building those bonds on-site. Eventually, the garden could become fully self-governing and create its own association, increasing interest and participation in urban agriculture.
Carrying the focus on gardens forward, I visited the largest community garden in York Region. This site is supported by the York Region Food Network non-profit, and located on donated land. Consisting of 90 plots, the garden provides accessible food for low-income and fixed-income residents. Surplus food, plus all yield from one plot, goes to the YRFN food bank.
Markham Community Garden
Markham Community Garden
Markham Community Garden - summer student Sarak Ko pictured
With two weeks remaining, my efforts are turning toward recommendations for the future. During a Steering Committee meeting on Friday, the Mayor emphasized his interest in growing the network of community gardens and adding community orchards to municipal parks. There is also a trend of renovating, re-tasking, and building community centres in Markham; I see enormous potential for our sustainability efforts and community engagement.