Finalizing Details

John Espley and Lee Smith from CTV News Story Feb 2025

Hello again from the Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre! There’s a lot happening on the land these days. We’re making real progress with installing irrigation so everyone’s future gardens will have the water they need. Remember our motto, “a spigot for everyone.” We’re also hard at work completing the driveway and access to the parking area.

We’re excited to let everyone know that our final legal work on policies and leases is wrapped up, and we’ve published the policies on our website for everyone to read. Please read them over if you are going to be a member. We want to be open and upfront with everyone. Remember —this is your community too, and the policies outline what you can expect once you become a member. The final pricing went out in an email to everyone on the waitlist up to February 24, if you registered after, please see them online. We did have to make a few small fee changes to what we were hoping. This is due to extra permit fees (don’t ask) we were not expecting and some inflation around products we’ve had to buy BUT we’ve worked hard to keep all of our options affordable for everyone.

Speaking of membership, we’ve been chatting with lots of folks on our waiting list and answering their questions. It’s so great to read all the exciting comments from our future members. We’ll start sending out membership agreements in early March, so if you’re already on the list, keep an eye on your inbox. If you haven’t joined the waiting list yet, now’s the perfect time—sign up and be part of growing something special here!

In other news, we’ve been lucky to get some fantastic media coverage in Victoria and Vancouver—print, online, TV, and radio—so keep an eye out for us in the headlines. If you have any questions or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can’t wait to see what the coming weeks bring as we gear up for spring!

Progress at Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre: Deer Fences and Garden Layouts

Exciting developments are underway at the Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre, and you can rest assured that the team has been working tirelessly to make it all happen! We've been installing sturdy deer fences and gate openings to protect the community gardens, ensuring a secure and thriving environment for all.

The ½-acre plots and community garden allotments are taking shape, with careful planning to maximize space and accessibility. The bright red markers in the photos highlight the detailed layouts that will soon transform into lush, productive gardens for the community.

Next on the agenda? Irrigation installation! This critical step will ensure that all the farm plots and gardens are ready to flourish, providing ample water to support a bountiful growing season ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre grows into a hub of sustainability and community connection. Learn more about the project at bgardens.ca.

Would you like to be on the waiting list? Sign up here for the BCAC Waitlist — Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre.

Don’t forget to share this news with your family and friends who like to garden or want to become farmers!

Deer Fencing being installed

Community Garden Allotments being laid out