(June 23, 2021) As provinces across Western Canada take steps to re-open, Co-op Community Spaces is funding projects that will help bring our communities back together.

 

This year, Co-op is providing $25,000 for the Langley Learning Farm, a project that will create an urban farm learning space where individuals can learn about the food system, the importance of local agriculture, and food security. When fully actualized, the site is proposed to include a food forest, an incubator farm, and a solar powered container farm. A seed library is already in place at Kwantlen Polyechnic University.

 

“Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) is thrilled to have the Langley Learning Farm selected for this years’ Co-op Community Spaces award. Together with our community partners, including the Langley Sustainable Agriculture Foundation, Langley School District #35, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the Township of Langley, we are so excited to develop this space as a community legacy that will provide educational and experiential opportunities for students and the general public to learn about the food system, the importance of local agriculture and food self-reliance.” said Nichole Marples, Executive Director of the Langley Environmental Partners Society.

 

Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. As our community begins to re-open after the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the value these projects bring in connecting and improving our communities.

 

“We are so excited to partner with Langley Environmental Partners Society through the Co-op Community Spaces program. The last 15 months have been very challenging, and it’s such an honor for our Co-op to contribute to creating a space for residents to safely come back together” explained Jack Nicholson, CEO of Otter Co-op.

 

“Investing in our community is central to our values as a Co-op. Partnering with community groups on important projects like this is a natural fit. We are creating beautiful spaces for our community to enjoy now and for years to come.”

 

In 2021, the program is providing $1 million to 15 community projects across Western Canada. Since 2015, Co-op has supported 147 projects through the Community Spaces program with $10.5 million in capital funding. This includes previous projects such as $60,000 to the Natural Playground upgrades at the Annieville Lions Park in Delta, $90,000 to the Willband Creek Environmental Viewing Platform in Abbotsford, $85,000 to the Chilliwack YMCA Childminding Playground and $72,000 to enhance the Earthwise Agassiz Teaching Farm. Last year, $70,000 was donated to build a covered pavilion at Raptors Knoll Disc Golf Park, located in Aldergrove at Jackman Wetlands Park. Once completed, the Co-op Community Pavilion will help enhance this popular disc golf course and create a place where communities can truly gather.

 

The giving program is administered by Federated Co-operatives Limited on behalf of more than 160 independent retail co-operatives across Western Canada that form the Co-operative Retailing System.

 

For more information about Co-op Community Spaces or to view the complete list of 2021 funding recipients, visit www.communityspaces.ca.