The Alex Community Food Centre (The Alex CFC) has always been a hub of activity, a place where food, community, and education grow together. But as spring and summer arrived, bringing with them the usual flurry of planting and harvesting, the team had an extra reason to celebrate. Thanks to a ClimateReady YYC grant, they’ve been able to accomplish more climate action projects that support and engage the community.
The team has been working to understand how climate change will impact their work. Their efforts are a great example of how local organizations can make a big difference. Here’s a look at some of the key initiatives they’ve completed so far.
Awnings and Pollinators: Keeping Cool and Boosting Biodiversity
The sun can be a blessing and a curse. While it’s essential for growing food, the intense heat can be hard on both plants and people. To combat this, The Alex CFC installed two large awnings on the south side of their greenhouse. These awnings are now used during gardening programs and the weekly Fresh & Fare Market. They provide shade and help reduce the heat that builds up inside the greenhouses. A local company from the Forest Lawn community helped install the awnings.
To support the local ecosystem, they’ve also enhanced their Eastside Pollinator Garden. A dozen new drought-tolerant, wildlife-resistant perennials have been planted. These plants will return year after year, providing food for local insects and birds while also helping to prevent weeds. This initiative is particularly important for Indigenous-focused programming and land-based learning. It connects participants with native plant species and traditional land-based knowledge.
A Bountiful Food Forest and Composting Innovations
The Alex CFC’s Food Forest added new drought-tolerant Haskap and Saskatoon berry bushes. These plants will soon provide a bounty of fruit for community meals and workshops. They will also increase pollinator activity, provide shade, act as wind blocks for other plants, and help create a more resilient and productive garden ecosystem. The fruit will be used in popular programs like jam-making workshops, and be used in traditional and new recipes, such as berry soup for Indigenous meals, salsas or barbeque sauces.
Beyond the garden, The Alex CFC’s community composting programs have also evolved. They have introduced new methods like thermophilic (hot) and bokashi composting. Community members have stepped into leadership roles, providing facilitation and materials necessary to start and maintain new piles. Since the project began, they’ve hosted nine community composting programs, with more on the way. The finished compost is used to enrich the soil in both The Alex CFC and The Confluence gardens. Healthy living soil helps during heavy precipitation, and and increases the nutrient density of the food grown there.
The Confluence Partnership and Upcoming Projects
The Alex CFC has also partnered with The Confluence on a new Food Forest and Native Perennial garden project. They’ve successfully planted three apple trees and 15 berry bushes in a newly established garden area. This green space provides shade, shelter, and increased biodiversity along the Bow and Elbow rivers. The harvest from this new garden will be shared with The Alex CFC, strengthening the connection between these two community spaces.
The work isn’t over yet. The Alex CFC has several exciting projects in progress, including:
- A new rainwater catchment system will be installed on the greenhouse. It will capture snowmelt and rainfall for irrigation. The collection tank will also help radiate heat, extending the growing season.
- Heat-reflective paint around the garden grounds will reflect heat away from the garden, keeping the soil and the gardeners cooler.
- Hail tunnels are currently being built. These portable and adaptable tunnels will provide essential protection for crops.
These projects showcase The Alex Community Food Centre’s commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable, and connected community. Their work with ClimateReady YYC is not just about growing food. It’s about cultivating a deeper understanding of our environment and empowering people to take local action. Together, we can create a healthier future for everyone.
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