Community Garden Allotments being laid out at the Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre
VICTORIA – The Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre, a pioneering project on Vancouver Island and a one-of-a-kind concept in Canada, is poised to open as early as March 1st. This transformative initiative, spanning nearly 14 acres, integrates farm plots, community gardens, and a small retail operation in a distinctive effort to bolster local agriculture, cater to farmers, garden enthusiasts, and benefitting the broader community.
Strategically located in the heart of the South Island, beneath scenic Mount Douglas and surrounded by urban development, the Centre aims to reconnect the community with agriculture and horticulture while addressing critical issues such as rising food costs and local food security.
The founders, Victoria locals Lee Smith and John Espley, envision the Centre as an enduring legacy that is protecting and promoting local agriculture and gardening for generations. With its extensive scale and innovative approach, the project offers:
- An impressive 14-acre site with three land plots at 4020, 4040, and 4060 Blenkinsop Road in Saanich.
- Diverse gardening options, including hundreds of community garden allotments and several larger farm plots.
- On-site support from Tuf-Turf, a trusted local business providing gardening supplies and rentals to empower participants.
“This project is about more than just land and gardens,” said John Espley, Founding Partner and spokesperson. “It’s about protecting the land for generations and fostering a stronger connection between people and agriculture, creating educational opportunities, and ensuring local access to fresh produce in a time of rising costs.”
The Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre is also committed to collaborating with local non-profits to establish educational growing programs and grow food for the communities they serve. This initiative is a dedicated to building a sustainable, inclusive space for individuals, families, and businesses to cultivate fresh produce while contributing to food security and overall community well-being. New or experienced farmers are struggling to find farmland, let alone great existing farmland such as this.
“This is a model of private enterprise stepping up and supporting the challenges of local agriculture and Positively contributing to the needs of South Island Farmers.”
Shellie MacDonald, President of the South Island Farmers Institute.
All levels of government are emphasizing the idea of buying local and especially in these trying times this project will offer the opportunity to both grow to sell and /or, grow to eat local produce thus reducing our demand on more distant sources.
With the need for more housing and the government focus on densification, this project will also will be a great resource for those living in condos or apartments, giving them access to green space to grow their own food.
“We also see this a viable option for developers and strata councils, offering them the ability to secure a large number of allotments to serve their residents.” Lee Smith, Founding Partner.
Staying true to its mission of accessibility, the Centre has structured fees to be pocket-friendly. With a one-time membership fee and annual Community Garden leases costing less than a monthly streaming service, growing is now within reach for everyone.
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