The Altona Community Action Network (ACAN) recently held its first annual general meeting, a milestone event marking a decade of grassroots environmental activism, community engagement, and steady progress on several major sustainability projects in the community.
“It all started with some informal conversations around climate change,” shared chair Joanne Wiebe of the organization’s beginnings in 2015. “But it’s grown into something much more meaningful. We now have six specialized subcommittees that help manage and execute our projects according to timelines and goals. That structure has helped us stay focused and make a real impact.”
Much of the excitement in recent years has revolved around the flourishing Altona Community Garden, which has grown to nearly 200 plots and completed its foundational infrastructure. This growth didn’t go unnoticed—ACAN was awarded the 2024 Recreation Manitoba Nature Award, and former garden manager Jack Heppner was honoured with the King’s Coronation Medal for his contributions.
“Jack’s leadership laid the groundwork for everything the garden has become,” said Wiebe. “With his retirement, we’ve entered a new phase.”
Joel Martin has taken over as garden manager, and according to the board, his energy and ideas are already moving the garden in exciting new directions.
“There’s talk of interpretive signage that will explain the garden’s vision—one of inclusivity, community, and education about native plants, pollinators, and sustainability,” noted Martin.
There are also plans to install signs honouring Heppner and detailing the history and philosophy behind the project, ensuring newcomers and visitors understand the deeper meaning behind the space.
The ACAN orchard project has also made significant strides, with the planting of shelterbelts and initial landscape work to prepare for paths and berms. This year, the group plans to plant up to 40 fruit trees—about one-third of the total—to build out an “edible garden” space.
Thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Town of Altona, the orchard continues to expand.
“We see this as a three-year plan,” said Martin. “But projects like this are always evolving. Someday we’d love to have benches among the blooming trees so people can sit and enjoy the space.”
The orchard currently holds about $6,000 in funds (administered by the Town), with expenditures going toward trees, landscaping, and future path connectivity between the orchard, garden, and town recreation trails.
ACAN’s secretary-treasurer Gavin Faurschou gave an overview of the group’s financials. The general non-profit account sits at $470, with a $50 donation received from a presentation given to the REACT group in Stonewall. The garden account remains the most active, with roughly $3,000 allocated for labour and another $500 earmarked for tool replacements and planting materials.
One idea floated during the AGM was the potential to lobby the Town of Altona to fund a paid staff position—someone who could coordinate projects, apply for grants, and increase ACAN’s presence and collaboration within the community.
“We’re entirely volunteer-run, but there’s a real opportunity here to take things to the next level with a part-time staff member,” Faurschou said. “It’s something worth exploring.”
Active transportation and geothermal planning
In February, ACAN participated as a stakeholder in the town’s new Active Transportation Plan, developed by local advocates and urban systems experts. The plan sets out a framework for improving walking and biking infrastructure, safety, and connectivity throughout the community.
“We’re hopeful this will lead to better active transportation in the future,” Wiebe said.
Another forward-looking goal involves the potential for a district geothermal system. ACAN members have been collaborating with town officials on a feasibility study to incorporate geothermal heating into the Millennium Exhibition Centre (MEC), one of Altona’s largest and most energy-intensive buildings.
“This is the kind of big-picture, long-term thinking that will shape our town’s energy future,” Wiebe noted. “The town has been proactive and open to ideas. That partnership is key.”
As ACAN reflects on a year filled with environmental milestones, they’re also looking forward to what comes next. Projects on the horizon include additional garden signage, ongoing orchard expansion, completion of walking paths, and exploring more formal ties with the Town through staffing support.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the town’s support and for how receptive they’ve been to our ideas,” said Wiebe. “It’s a win-win. The town gets beautiful, sustainable projects without having to run them, and residents benefit from healthier, more vibrant spaces.”
