The Bonnyville Community Garden is getting a significant upgrade this summer thanks to more than ,000 in federal funding, with renovations already underway to improve accessibility, increase growing capacity and strengthen local food security.

The Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) announced the project is being supported by up to $36,211 through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) – Small Scale Projects program.

According to LICA, the investment will expand opportunities for residents to participate in community gardening and improve access to fresh, locally grown produce.

Upgrades focused on accessibility and sustainability

Once complete, the project will include installing upgraded garden beds, replacing the existing wooden beds with more durable infrastructure.

The renovations will also add:

• Two wheelchair-accessible garden beds
• Three compost bins
• Improved infrastructure designed to support long-term use

LICA says the upgrades will create a more inclusive and sustainable garden space for community members of all ages and abilities.

Supporting local food security

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund supports projects that strengthen community food security by increasing the availability and accessibility of local, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

The Bonnyville Community Garden is one of the projects receiving funding through the initiative, with the goal of improving local food resilience and expanding opportunities for residents to grow food close to home.

Garden expected to reopen later this season

Following the completion of the garden bed installation, the community garden will reopen for the remainder of the growing season.

LICA is encouraging community members to stay involved by volunteering and following the project’s progress. The organization also plans to welcome families back later this season for its 4th Annual Family Fun Day in the Garden.

Sponsorship opportunities available

Businesses, organizations and individuals are also being invited to become Garden Sponsors.

According to LICA, sponsorships help offset the ongoing costs of maintaining the garden, purchasing equipment and supplies, and growing produce in the community beds that help support the local food bank.

Sponsors will receive recognition through logo placement at the garden site, on LICA’s website and in its annual report.