Evergreens Farm

Coming soon to the EcoGarden – Spring 2024!
– a Wildsight Elk Valley social enterprise

 

the first harvest is expected in late June 2024

 

I want to eat lettuce – Lettuce will be sold at Fernie grocery stores with more variety at Local

I want local lettuce on my menu – Contact us asap to get on our grow list – Email evergreens@wildsight.ca

I want to see inside – Consider joining us for a volunteer shift to get inside the farm 

I want to volunteer –  Join in the fun with a 2-hour volunteer shift – Sign up coming soon

I want to donate – Your support will help the farm thrive – Donate here

I want to join – Get your lifetime Wildsight membership to show your support – Join here

I want leafy greens but can’t afford them –  Watch here for details on how to access

I want to know more – Get the Wildsight Elk Valley eblast – Sign up here

 

 

 

evergreens
 

FAQs

Where is the farm located? We grow hydroponically in a custom-built structure at the Community EcoGarden in Fernie.

When will Evergreens start growing? The structure is scheduled to arrive by the end of March 2024. We will start growing the 2nd week of April. The first harvest is expected in early June.

What is hydroponic? Hydroponic farming happens indoors without soil, with the plants obtaining nutrition from the water their roots sit in and energy from powerful LED lights. Hydropoinc growing uses 90% less water and allows us to grow year-round. 

Do you use pesticides? Nope! We are proud to say that we don’t use any form of pesticide or herbicide on our produce. Also, our indoor controlled environment allows for no exposure to pests and outside additives.

Where can I buy your greens? Look for our lettuce at Fernie grocery stores and restaurants. Our flagship store is Local at 632 2nd Ave which will carry more variety.

Do you use plastic packaging? We use #4 LDPE plastic bags to ensure our leafy greens are fresh and delicious when they get to you. Please reuse this bag and then return to the depot to be recycled. 

What types of things will you grow? We will start off growing multiple varieties of crisp, fresh, local lettuces. Once we have that dialed we will start growing herbs, dark leafy greens, and pea shoots. 

How long does it take to grow? It takes us 8 weeks to go from seed to harvest. We harvest on Tuesdays and deliver on Wednesdays.

Why does local lettuce matter? Local lettuce means less transportation required compared to bringing lettuce from California or Mexico. It also means good local jobs and a stronger local food system.

How do you grow year-round? Our farmers can control the environment inside our indoor grow area so we’re able to grow year-round, no matter the weather. Snow or shine – we’ve got fresh greens always!

Where did you get your farm? Our hydroponic farm was purchased from the Indigenous-owned ColdAcre Food Systems in Whitehorse, Yukon.

How do you give back to the community? A portion of all produce grown will be donated to community organizations supporting at-risk community members – including the food bank, aged care, and schools. 

How can I learn more? Get the lowdown – Sign up for the Wildsight Elk Valley eblast. Follow Wildsight on Facebook and Instagram. Learn when new leafy greens hit the shelves by following Local on Facebook and Instagram or check out the online store to see what is in stock. 

Who runs Evergreens? Evergreens is a social enterprise of the Wildsight Elk Valley Branch. A social enterprise is a business that is operated for the good of the community. 

Can I volunteer to help? Definitely! Join us for one of our 2-hour, weekly volunteer shifts to help harvest and package the leafy greens.

 

 

Our farm is built by ColdAcre Food Systems from Whitehorse, Yukon.


 

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News Release January 17, 2024 – PacifiCan

Minister MacAulay announces nearly $10 million in funding to strengthen local food security

From: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

From coast to coast, food banks and community organizations provide vital support and services to address local food security needs and increase access to healthy food.

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener–Conestoga, visited the Wilmot Family Resource Centre to announce up to $9.98 million in funding through the fifth phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF).

This funding will support up to 192 new community-led projects across the country through investments in equipment and infrastructure needs to help improve the accessibility of nutritious, local food.

LFIF is a key component of the first-ever Food Policy for Canada and central to efforts to build a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada. Since it first launched in August 2019, LFIF has committed $64.8 million to support over 1,100 projects to improve food security across Canada, including community gardens and kitchens, refrigerated trucks and storage units for donated food, and greenhouses in remote and Northern communities.

The Government is working to provide relief to Canadians struggling with the increased cost of living. Through the introduction of Bill C-56, the Affordable Housing and Groceries Act, and efforts outlined in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, the Government will continue to support Canadian families and stabilize food prices. 

Wildsight Elk Valley Branch will receive up to $102,598 to purchase an electric vehicle with charging infrastructure, a refrigeration unit for the vehicle, and food storage containers. This project will allow the community to increase its distribution capacities for its year-round food production.

 

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From Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine – Winter 2022

 

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News Release December 8, 2022  – PacifiCan

East Kootenay communities receive over $2 million in funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

From: Pacific Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada is making investments across British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies

Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, in turn supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Throughout the East Kootenays and across British Columbia’s Southern Interior, communities are ready to welcome residents and visitors alike to enjoy new and improved public spaces and tourism experiences.

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2 million in PacifiCan funding for ten projects throughout the East Kootenays. This includes almost $1.5 million for five projects funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and over $550,000 for five projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund.

PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout British Columbia.

“These investments demonstrate how the Government of Canada is helping to boost economic development in communities across British Columbia. We are here to support small- and medium-sized businesses on the road to recovery. Investing in shared public spaces and tourism experiences will bring communities together.” – The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

Wildsight Elk Valley is receiving $252,000 in funding through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund to construct a Hydroponic Container Farm, which will allow produce to be grown year-round at the Fernie Community EcoGarden. Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets will mean British Columbians will have better access to recreational programs and facilities; these projects will grow economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve community wellness. 

 

 

Elk Valley News

Position: Retail Coordinators – Local Store Deadline to apply: January 22nd, 2024 Compensation: $18-21/hour  Scope: Part-time. Flexible. 8-20 hours/week Number…Read More 
Position: Branch Administrator - Wildsight Elk Valley Branch Deadline to apply: December 5th, 2023 Compensation: $20-22/hour  Scope: Part-time – 8 hours/week Target…Read More 
Position: Lead Grower – Evergreens Farm Deadline to apply: November 4th, 2023 Compensation: $20-25/hour Scope: Part-time – 20+ hours/week Target Start…Read More 
Read more news

Upcoming Elk Valley events

Wildsight Elk Valley Earth Day AGM 2024

Monday, April 22, 2024

  As Earth Day approaches, we're excited to invite you to Wildsight Elk Valley's 2024 Annual…

Community Yard Sale

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Join in the Yard Sale Trail on Saturday, May 25th, 2024!

Native Flora Garden Tour (Creeky Cedars) Registration opens June 3, 2024

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Join Nick Laferriere; artist, photographer and gardener (some of his roles!) as he tours us around his local…

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Join The Team

Want to protect wildlife, clean water and wild spaces? Volunteer with us! Wildsight volunteers are a very special group of people who give generously of their time to stuff envelopes, attend rallies, help run events, put up posters, keep tabs on forestry practices in their communities and participate in citizen science initiatives.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Branch Information

Contact

632 2nd Ave
PO Box 537,
Fernie, BC V0B 1M0
Phone: 250.423.3322
elkvalley@wildsight.ca