Community Gardens under New Management

This morning at the Kidd Operations Community Garden site, the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) handed the management of the community gardens over to Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins (ACT).

The project has been running for 6 years. Before passing the reigns over to ACT, the TEDC’s goal in 2015 was to establish a long term sustainable water solution. With the funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Glencore Kidd Operations, this was possible. Water hydrants were installed at both sites creating permanent water sources.

“The Community Gardens project brings more to Timmins than the obvious space to grow plants and vegetables: it improves quality of life and promotes community engagement.” Said Fred Gibbons, Chair of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation. “The TEDC helped make the gardens a sustainable food system which strengthened a great partnership with Anti-hunger Coalition Timmins.”

In 2014, the Community Gardens committee began discussions about finding an organizational home for the project. As a long-time member of the community gardens committee, Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins was ready and willing to become project lead. Along with the community gardens committee, the ACT Board of Directors was confident in the timing and opportunity presented, and strongly felt that this project aligned well with ACT goals.

“With ACT’s commitment to increasing access to local, healthy and affordable food, the Community Gardens project was a great fit to become part of our programming,” says Michelle Goulet, ACT’s executive director.

The transition took place in early 2016, with the existing community garden committee becoming a sub-committee of ACT, while continuing to manage the gardens with the support and guidance of the ACT Board.

Goulet goes on to say, “ACT is very appreciative of the TEDC and the community gardens committee for their support throughout this transition. Our goal is to continue empowering individuals by providing opportunities to grow, share, and consume healthy food.”