“Okanagan College is planning to use the land for the recently announced (https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AEST0014-000395) 100-bed student housing initiative, to help meet the critical need and student expressed demand for affordable housing in the region,” said Tyler Finley, Interim Director of Public Affairs with Okanagan College.

Community garden at college to be removed
Nov 3, 2021 | 10:00 AM

The fruit, vegetable and flower gardens on the southeast side of the Okanagan College site in Coldstream have been served a type of eviction notice.

The college has informed the Regional District of North Okanagan they will not be renewing the lease for the Patchwork Community Garden as the college needs the land for educational requirements.

The lease, which started in 2012, will expire on March 31, 2022, and covers a half acre.

The regional district provides the land and funding for the three community gardens in Greater Vernon, while the Food Action Society manages them.

RDNO staff are recommending the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) approve a motion to explore suitable sites to relocate Patchwork Garden.

Other community gardens include one on Shantz Road in Electoral Area C, and the West Vernon Community Garden on the former West Vernon Elementary school grounds in Vernon, on land leased from School District 22.

“All gardens have been fully allocated every year, each holding a waitlist. Returning gardeners are given first option to continue with their garden bed the following year, and any remaining beds are released to new registrants early in the new year, ” said a staff report to GVAC.

RDNO budgeted $13,500 for community gardens this year; $11,000 for a management grant and $2,500 for operations and maintenance (sundry and porta-potties).

by Pete McIntyre

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