LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
In the span of three years, a community gardening initiative in Fort Simpson has grown significantly in both size and in the amount of participation.
Tracy Brown holds up handfuls of chives and basil that were gathered from the Fort Simpson Community Garden in 2011, the garden's first year. Now in its third year, the interest in the garden has grown substantially. - NNSL file photo
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Approximately 35 people attended the Fort Simpson Community Garden Society's annual general meeting on May 16.
"This is really exciting," Val Gendron told the gathering.
"There are at least twice as many (people) as last year."
Gendron, the society's president, said she's excited about the future of the community garden because of the number of people interested in the garden and in gardening in general.
The garden, located on the flats beside the Mackenzie River, began in 2011 after the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment received permission from Liidlii Kue First Nation to use the land for a garden. In the first year, approximately 10 people were involved in gardening communally in 17 raised garden boxes and an open area.
Last summer, there were 28 members in the society that was formed to take over the management of the garden.
The garden was also expanded to include 31 additional boxes that members could register to use. Gendron said it was a great summer with more people growing a wider variety of fruits, herbs and vegetables.
During the meeting, the society unveiled its plans for continued improvements and expansions.
This summer, a gazebo and picnic tables will be set up at the main site, Gendron said. The society also has gardens at the Four Mile and Wild Rose subdivisions.
The society has also purchased additional equipment for members to use at the garden including a small rotor tiller that will fit inside of the boxes and a trimmer to clean around the boxes. There are also plans to plant fruit bushes such as raspberries and to potentially build more garden boxes.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has been the garden's primary benefactor. Over the past two-and-a-half years, the department has invested more than $100,000 in the garden and the society.
"It's a pleasure to contribute to this," said Mike Mageean, the department's regional superintendent, who also spoke at the meeting.
Community gardens fit within the goals and objectives of the legislative assembly, which include promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing costs of living, he said. The society's gardens have had very positive results, he said.
"I'm astounded by the community spirit and the industrial nature of the community residents," Mageean said.
Being involved in the community garden is a great opportunity to grow healthy food, draw on the experience of other gardeners and interact socially in the fresh air, said Gendron.
Based on input at the meeting, the society created a base membership for anyone who wants to join. For an additional fee, members can get up to two boxes to plant in at the garden.
