In 2015, a seed was planted to create a social enterprise partnership that would eventually grow into a teaching farm designed for growing market crops, engaging in learning opportunities and providing fresh food for the community.
“Teaching people about growing food helps them become food secure, creating a space to foster connection with others, that is where the magic happens, that is about growing community,” said Arlene David, Urban Farm Supervisor.
In 2023, the farm relocated from its original space beside Archway’s main building on Montrose Avenue to a parcel of land made available free of charge by the EcoFarm located on Sumas Way.
“With this added space, plus a grant from United Way British Columbia for the development of greenhouses, we have been able to expand our production and offer more opportunities to the community,” said Marina Gibson, Urban Farm Manager.
“With this added space, plus a grant from United Way British Columbia for the development of greenhouses, we have been able to expand our production and offer more opportunities to the community.”
For the second year the farm has joined forces with various support and recovery programs such as the Kinghaven Treatment Center and Peardonville Recovery House to provide weekly volunteer opportunities at the farm.
Peardonville House Treatment Centre, a member of Kinghaven Peardonville House Society provides 10-week intensive bed-based treatment programs designed for both men and women who want to stop the cycle of substance misuse in their life.
The programs provide clients with opportunities to participate in group and individual therapy, relapse prevention, and recovery meetings all while providing treatment and aftercare planning.
Through their partnership with the Urban Farm, residents had the opportunity to develop valuable skills and connections to support them throughout their recovery process.
“I loved having my hands full of dirt, dirty jeans and boots and feeling that my soul was cleansed,” said Ashley*, a Peardonville Recovery House volunteer. “The environment was therapeutic, and the staff members were extremely supportive and kind.”
“Volunteering at the Urban Farm allows me to nurture the ground to grow food, and that food nurtures those who need it,” said Mario, a Kinghaven volunteer.
“I really enjoy my time at the Urban Farm, it feels great to get out and give back,” said Tyler, a Kinghaven volunteer.
Volunteers engaged in a variety of activities depending on interest level and physical ability.
“Tasks varied from seeding vegetables and flowers into starter trays to building compost bins and prepping soil. Some volunteers really got their hands dirty, helping dig and fill irrigation trenches!” said Marina.
“Having the women at Peardonville volunteer at the Urban Farm gave them a sense of community and connection. It gave them knowledge and transferable skills that they could take with them and incorporate into their own lives around growing nutritional and sustainable food,” said Lauren* a Peardonville Recovery House staff member.
Volunteers on the farm.
Marina Gibson, Urban Farm Manager
“I loved having my hands full of dirt, dirty jeans and boots and feeling that my soul was cleansed. The environment was therapeutic, and the staff members were extremely supportive and kind.”
In addition to recovery programs, the farm opened its doors to local students.
In partnership with the EcoFarm, they had several schools book education tours, providing opportunities for students to learn how creative and critical thinking has led to innovation within agriculture.
“Based on how well the school bookings have gone, expanding to include community members is something we would love to work towards.” said Marina
In addition to fostering community connections, the Urban farm sells and donates its fruits and vegetables. During peak production, produce from the farm is available for purchase at the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market as well as local stores such as The Egg Store. Produce is also made available to Archway programs and other non-profits in the area.
Over the past nine years the Archway Urban Farm has accomplished well beyond what they had envisioned for themselves in 2015.
Looking towards the future, the goal remains to increase access to local food production while increasing the number of people connecting to the land in Archway’s farm space.
Inside the container farm.