Étienne Brulé Community Garden is being brought back to life, thanks to buckets of elbow-grease from a small army of SOYA (Save Our Young Adults) volunteers.
Founded 14 years ago to prevent substance abuse among the Sault's young adults, SOYA has stepped up to rebuild and operate 22 raised beds in Captain Nichola Goddard Park on the former Étienne Brulé public school property.
Last week, SOYA was granted a licence to occupy the property, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie is trowelling in $13,492 to help pay for new garden beds and fencing, as well as equipment, tools and other gardening-related amenities.
The community garden was established in 2015 on Algoma District School Board (ADSB) property, under an agreement involving ADSB, the city and Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
An urban orchard and a spoke of the Hub Trail have been added since then.
Until now, the city has assumed responsibility for maintaining the four-foot by eight-foot raised beds, as well as a nearby playground and basketball courts.
Emily Cormier, the city's sustainability coordinator, says the garden will assist with the city's attempts to reduce greenhouse gases, by:
- encouraging sustainable options
- enhancing green spaces
- investing in recreation
- seeking opportunities to implement sustainable solutions
Virginia McLeod, the city's manager of recreation and culture, says the garden beds have reached the end of their useful life, and the perimeter fence protecting them also needs replacement.
SOYA is planning to partner with Clean North, which is involved with other local community garden projects and will provide expertise.
"The project will provide valuable educational opportunities, teaching community members about sustainable gardening practices, healthy eating, and the importance of environmental stewardship," McLeod said last week in a report about the new arrangement,
"Many residents, particularly those who may not have had the chance to learn about gardening, will gain hands-on experience and knowledge that can be applied in their own lives.
"Additionally, the garden will help address food insecurity by providing access to fresh, locally grown pardenroduce and offering healthier food options to those who may not have easy access," said McLeod.
Étienne Brulé is one of five community gardens in Sault Ste. Marie.
The others are
- Suzanne Hanna Memorial Community Garden in Forest Heights Park (Palace Drive and Placid Avenue)
- Emmaus Community Garden at Emmaus Anglican Church (formerly St. Matt’s) (643 Wellington St. East)
- The People’s Garden at Algoma University (1520 Queen St. East)
- Common Ground at Emmanuel United Church (224 Bennett Blvd.)