It's crunch time for Squamish's proposed urban farm.
The organizers of the project - formerly known as CAN Farm and recently renamed the Discovery Farm - have two weeks to raise $42,000 to transform a one-acre vacant downtown lot into rows of green vegetables.
The project's three-year land lease agreement hinges on the non-profit farm being up and running by Oct. 31, said Katie Pease, the project's manager. That date marks the B.C. Assessment's property reassessment deadline, at which point the landowner would be able to get a tax break if the farm is operational.
"We won't start spending money until we know [the project] can go forward," Pease said, adding that is why the initiative has an Oct. 14 cutoff.
In an attempt to apply for loans, the Discovery Farm project has separated from the Squamish Climate Action Network (Squamish CAN), the non-profit group that launched it. As a 100 per cent volunteer organization, Squamish CAN did not wish to burden its board and members with the financial ties of a loan, said Sheri Lee, a Squamish CAN director.
"I hope [the project] does go through," she said. "We wish [Pease] well."
A loan would only be used as a last resort, Pease said. Currently, the organization has its fingers crossed for some government grant funding. Discovery Farm is also looking for support from local businesses to sponsor the 72 40-by-4-foot raised vegetable beds. Companies will get their names placed on the planters for a donation of $250 per box.
If the money falls into place, the Discovery Farm can be built quickly, Pease said. The plans, which include two large greenhouses, are ready, but the organization will need volunteers to help piece it together, Pease said.
Once built, the farm is expected to run year-round. It should produce 700 pounds of fresh produce weekly, Pease told The Chief. Money raised from selling vegetables will go toward community non-profit programs, she said.
Organizers aim to approach local restaurants and stores with the produce, and the farm could also be used as an educational hub for other community organizations and schools, Pease said.
The farm will be portable so that when the lease runs out, the farm could be moved to a new home, she said.
For more information on the Discovery Farm or to donate, email [email protected].
