Community garden taking root in Rainy River

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Many citizens have been working with the Town of Rainy River in a process called Vision 20-20. One of the seven subcommittees is the Recreation group.
They have been looking at several facets to improve recreation in the community and one of them is now a reality and another is in the planning stages; a community garden project and possibly a community trails project.
Community Garden
In 2008 the idea for a community garden began to grow when local Farmers Market Manager Norma Blight attended a district meeting and came back with the idea. At the same time the Healthy Communities Coalition was looking at the concept as well. Partnering together under the auspices of the Town of Rainy River, the current project took root!
They applied for provincial funding and recently received good news! They had been approved for a $9,214.00 grant!
At the same time they applied for funding from the Healthy Communities Coalition and also received approval for $2,000.00.
Two weekends ago a volunteer work party began putting that money to good use. They gathered at the site for the garden (the corner of Little St. South and River Road East), located adjacent to the Riverview School running track. They framed up a tool shed to be used to house tools and other equipment to be used at the garden once it opens next spring.
The garden itself has been plowed and features eight large plots and six raised beds. There has been some interest in them already but anyone who is interested in signing up can do so by calling the Northwestern Health Unit at 852-3268.
Heidi Ivall, of the H.C.C., said, “This (project) is to help people who do not have a garden or can’t access one. It also promotes healthy eating, locally fresh organic food and active living.”
The eight large plots are geared towards accommodating families and the six raised beds can be used by seniors, disable persons, kids, etc. If the program proves to be popular they have room to expand the size of the garden.
Both Blight and Ivall were very grateful to the volunteers that have helped and to the Town of Rainy River for donating the land and hooking up water to the site.
When asked about fears of vandals or garden raiders, Blight said, “We have invited a broad cross-section of people to get involved in the Community Garden to take ownership. We hope that will help limit any problems.”
There is a set of guidelines in the works for the garden and small user fee. The committee is open to questions and or suggestions. Just call Heidi at 852-3268 or Norma at 852-3650.
Community Trails
The 20-20 Recreation Committee is looking at the possibility of developing multi-use community trails. Suggestions for usage include walking, hiking, cycling, roller blading, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or any non-motorized activity.
However, before they begin planning they want input from the public. They have circulated surveys around the community or you can clip the one you see on this page and drop it off at the town office or the health unit.