COURTNEAY B.C- Courtenays municipal government is showing support over a local community garden by providing funding for the next five years.
Courtenay mayor Bob Wells, along with council members and leaders at LUSH Valley signed a five-year ‘Share the Harvest Community Garden’ partnership agreement on Monday.
According to a press release, the agreement says that the city will provide financial support to LUSH Valley and in exchange, LUSH Valley will provide coordination and maintenance of the gardens over the next five years.
In 2018, the garden hosted 44 community events, built 10 new garden beds, and engaged the community in 709 volunteer hours.
Maurita Prato, Executive Director of LUSH Valley, said in the release that its a great step for the organization, and the garden.
“This agreement provides us with certainty over the next five to 10 years, and the validation that The City
supports sustainable food programs in our community. This agreement will help ensure that we
provide a welcoming, attractive and safe space that showcases healthy community living.”
It will provide LUSH Valley with a five-year lease and annual financial support from the city of $10,000, with the possibility of an additional five-year term in 2024. The City will also be working with LUSH Valley on tool storage solutions.
Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells said the partnership between LUSH Valley and the city is a great way to support local initiatives.
“We were happy to renew the lease agreement with LUSH Valley so they can continue their good work in the garden,”said Wells.
“This project helps support food security in the Comox Valley and provides opportunities
for education and healthy, low cost activities for our residents.”
To learn more about the agreement, or the Share the Harvest Community Garden, visit www.lushvalley.org.
