Food Map
Are you wondering where you can buy local food? Or are you looking for access to land for a community garden or small scale food-growing project? The City of Campbell River's Food Map just may have the answers! Access it at http://foodmap.campbellriver.ca
The Food Map was completed in 2014 and functions as a web-based resource that identifies retailers, restaurants and farms, selling Campbell River, Strathcona Region, Vancouver Island, and Gulf & Discovery Island-sourced agricultural products. The map also contains an inventory of public and private land that can be made available for community gardening and food growing projects within the city.
The project was developed in partnership with the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce, Greenways Land Trust, Laughing Willow Community Garden, and the Strathcona Food Security Project. The concept of a ‘community food map’ was introduced in 2012, and was recently made possible by a grant from the Real Estate Foundation of BC.
Why a Food Map?
Campbell River’s Agriculture Now Plan and the Sustainable Official Community Plan both establish the development of local food systems and access to local food markets as a primary goal.
The plans also set food security and self-sufficiency targets, including the capacity for Campbell River to grow the equivalent of 10% of its food supply by 2031 and 50% by 2060. Campbell River is currently at less than 1% self-sufficiency, so we have opportunity to grow! To learn about the growing appetite for local food and emerging agricultural opportunities, watch Harvest Campbell River: Appetite for Local Food on the Rise
Meeting these targets will help to ensure that Campbell River residents have access to locally grown food, and will promote economic development associated with agriculture while reducing the environmental impacts associated with transportation of food. The project also provides opportunity for local businesses that can help facilitate and nurture a prosperous community and strong local economy, which is in line with both the Chamber of Commerce's Think Local initiative, and with the Agriculture Now Plan objective for the creation of a ‘Made in Campbell River’ Identity/brand.
Local food listed on the map is grown or produced in Campbell River, Strathcona Region, Vancouver Island or the Gulf & Discovery Islands. ‘Locally Grown’ products are made with 100% local ingredients. In comparison, products listed as ‘Locally Produced’ may be made with some or no local ingredients, but all of the value-added processing is local. For example, some locally produced wines may be made from grapes that are sourced from other areas in BC.
Supporting Local Business
The Food Map is not only a valuable resource for community members who want to buy healthy, local products, but it also doubles as a marketing tool that promotes local businesses and attract new investment to nurture and diversify the local economy.
The Food Map also identifies places where residents can find local supplies, processing, and equipment. For example, a selection of garden centers, outdoor stores and small scale food processing facilities have been listed on the Map. Additional businesses may put themselves on the map provided they demonstrate a clear connection to food growing, foraging, hunting, processing, or harvesting.
By supporting a positive business climate, Campbell River will retain and expand businesses that offer economic and social benefits and that also create diverse value-added products which enhance the local food system. Campbell River is uniquely positioned to capitalize on an emerging agriculture and food production sector, and has been provincially recognized as the economic gateway to North Vancouver Island.
Land Registry
Private land owners can participate by providing spaces for local food production and listing their property, which includes businesses, backyards or farms as potential spaces for others to grow food or garden. This type of model is becoming increasingly popular throughout North America, and in many BC communities there is a growing movement of intensive backyard gardening on another person’s property or SPIN Farming in exchange for access to fresh fruit and vegetables. Interested parties are responsible for creating their own agreements and ensuring that they are not in violation of city regulations or bylaws.
Public land that has potential for urban agriculture projects will also be listed on this site. Please keep in mind, land that has urban agriculture potential is not guaranteed to applicants. When groups or individuals explore the potential of public land, the community will be consulted to ensure that the use is both appropriate and supported in the area.
How can I get Involved?
- You can create a profile and list your property as a potential space for local food production.
- You can list your business and products if you grow, sell or serve local food products in Campbell River.
- You can contact the Sustainability Department and share your ideas. Email Us
- You can promote the ‘Think Local, Eat Local’ brand for qualifying business, products or lands.
- You can like the Sustainable Campbell River Facebook page to receive updates, connect with community members, and share your ideas.
Campbell River Fruit Tree Project
Campbell River residents are encouraged to get involved in the Fruit Tree Project for the 2019 growing season! Coordinated by Greenways Land Trust, the Fruit Tree Project is a gleaning program that connects fruit tree owners who don't want to, or are not able, to harvest their trees with a group of volunteer harvesters. The harvest is split between the owner, volunteers, partner organizations in our community who distribute fruit to those who need it, and program cost recovery (to help build capacity for an ongoing project). For more information visit https://www.greenwaystrust.ca/food-security/.
Resources
FAQs & Fact Sheets
Logos & Templates
Resource Packages & Forms
If this project is of interest to you, please be sure provide input to the Programme Coordinator.