Food crisis confronted by councillors, Cowichan Green Community's urban farm
Urban farming took root Wednesday as councillors approved Cowichan Green Community's landscape plan for Kinsmen Park.
CGC's Judy Stafford reassured North Cowichan Councillor Jennifer Woike raising food in the quarter-acre park won't spell competition with local farmers struggling to market their products.
Stafford explained the idea is to show folks how to grow food for their own tables, not to sell yields as a business.
"We're in a food crisis," Stafford said, echoing concerns the island has just three days of groceries if isolated from the mainland — as shown in Cowichanian Nick Versteeg's popular film Island On The Edge.
"The critical piece is getting people to learn how to grow their own food, even on their balconies."
Once locals enjoy fruits of their land labours, they might be hooked on the habit, Stafford explained to council.
CGC must now do a mail out to park neighbours explaining the project, and provide a chance for feedback.
The municipality and CGC must also hold an information session in Kinsmen to field residents' questions.
A building permit, plus an occupation licence between council, CGC and the City of Duncan is also needed for the farm site.
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