A grassroots Altona organization is looking forward to another year of building community with a focus on sustainability and connection.
The Altona Community Action Network (ACAN) is a volunteer group that aims to promote that focus through both education and action in a number of ways.
“We’ve got a lot of projects on the go,” said chairperson Joanne Wiebe. “Our most recent project and probably the most well known is the Altona community garden. There’s quite a beautiful pavilion facility … as well as 200 garden plots with a tool shed.”
The plots located across from the Millenium Exhibition Centre sell for only $25, and there are not only tools provided but some volunteers who will reach out to help people learning the ropes.
“The previous garden manager really worked tirelessly to get this community garden up and running, so now we are looking to maintain it to his standards,” said Wiebe. “It’s kind of a gem in our community.”
Not only have they expanded the garden to over 200 garden plots, making space for even more community members to grow their own fresh food, but they have also continued the development of a community orchard just north of the garden.
“In the orchard, we’re planning to install gravel paths to improve accessibility and make it easier for everyone to enjoy the space,” Wiebe said.
They are currently fundraising to hire a dedicated employee to help maintain both the community garden and orchard.
“As these spaces grow, so does the need for consistent care … and we’re excited about the possibility of having extra hands to help them thrive.
“We’re also looking forward to hosting more gatherings and workshops at the garden pavilion this season. Our work also continues with Butterfly Way to support pollinator habitats throughout our community.”
On top of those things, they also try to do educational events as well as utilize their website and social media to promote community events.
A big part of their goals as well is trying to support environmental initiatives in the community, Wiebe noted.
“We have a partnership with the Town of Altona,” she said. “There’s a sub-committee to work on some issues such as active transportation and promote things along that line.
“We’re continuing to collaborate with the Town of Altona through the Active Transportation Committee to promote safe, accessible and sustainable ways to move around town.”
Next up for the group this spring is the April 11 Fruit Jam at The Community Exchange at 7 p.m. It will feature a live performance by The Pylons along with a local artisan raffle with an amazing variety of products and a silent auction for a stunning quilt.
“We just wanted to bring people together for a fun event in the community … learn a little bit about our organization and also raise a little bit of funds,” Wiebe said, noting the event is in its third year and has raised between $4,000 and $5,000.
“We’re also planning to host an Active Transportation Day in June, complete with a coffee giveaway to celebrate walking, biking and rolling around town,” she shared, adding there will also be additional gatherings and workshops at the garden pavilion in the months ahead.
Wiebe said they are hopeful about the progress being made and the positive impact this work can have on the health and vibrancy of the community, and she feels the community has really embraced what they are trying to do, especially with the community garden.
“It’s really a diverse group. There are a lot of newcomers accessing those plots, so again that was kind of the mandate, to make it as accessible as possible,” she said. “It tells us that people value this as sort of a meeting point or kind of an access point where people can connect with each other.”
