The Centre for Urban Agriculture

  • Rene Michalak
  • purephoenix@shaw.ca
GoalsThe Centre for Urban Agriculture at Spruce Lane Organics Farm is an internationally-respected model for small-scale urban food production, agricultural preservation, farm-based education and community supported agriculture ( CSA ). The Centre's mission is to share the principles and techniques of permaculture, regenerative design, and urban homesteading while providing Central Albertans with fresh, chemical-free fruits and vegetables. We also teach people how to grow them in their own yards and demonstrate that sustainable agriculture is profitable for small (urban) farm operations. We research and interpret the connections between food, land, and community well being and nurture the human spirit through educational programs and public outreach both on and off the farm.
ProjectsOn our two acres, dubbed "The Garden of Weedin'", we produce a vast variety of fruits, vegetables, gourmet mushrooms, and culinary & medicinal herbs that are grown and tended to by CSA volunteers from all walks of life. We operate a general (eco)store called "The Root Seller" that sells organic produce and eco-friendly products while serving as a small-scale seed exchange and apothecary for the community. We are also a research and development site for alcohol fuel production which we use to power our generators and machinery - a process that creates organic fertilizer and pesticide/herbicide as a by-product! We nourish the community through farm-to-school programs, community kitchens, preserving and gardening classes, special events, lectures, permaculture and regenerative design apprenticeships, and outreach and consultation to schools and Community Associations throughout Central Alberta. We welcome you to journey with us through our SPIN-farmed field and orchard, and into the foods, programs, publications, and resources we offer.

Environment Policy Committee

  • Danielle Klooster
  • dklooster@reddeerchamber.com
  • http://www.reddeerchamber.com/contact/committee_home.asp
GoalsProvides a forum for the exchange of ideas on current business issues that have the potential for policy development by The Red Deer Chamber of Commerce.
ProjectsDRAFT POLICY: Red Deer Chamber of Commerce recommends that local government and the Government of Alberta:

1. Work to increase urban densities to 25 dwellings per hectare (via rules on new subdivisions, as well as incentives for infilling brownfield and greyfield areas)

2. Limit new developments (industrial, residential and commercial) on existing farmland to soil grades of 3 or worse.

3. Give incentives and change zoning regulations for developers to build subdivisions that are defined by the New Urbanism paradigm (more mixed commercial/residential, more open public spaces, more residential density, more pedestrian friendly roads, etc.)

Katimavik

  • Gladys Loo
  • gloo@katimavik-pra.org
  • www.katimavik.org
GoalsEngage youth in volunteer service and foster sustainable communities through challenging national youth service programs.

ProjectsThrough volunteer services to continue the viability of communities.

Sunworks

  • Paul Harris
  • pharris@sunworks.ab.ca
  • sunworks.ab.ca
GoalsWe are slowly working toward reducing our footprint through the way we do business.
ProjectsWe contribute to the Sunworks Environmental Legacy Fund at the Red Deer and District Community Foundation through our commitment to 1% for the Planet. The fund is open for to anyone to contribute and helps resource the environmental granting program.
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