Pincher Creek – Raised Garden Beds

Pincher Creek Wellness Committee came together through a pilot project under Alberta Prevents Cancer. 

Members from various sectors of the community came together with a goal to foster and grow a healthy, thriving community.  After completing a comprehensive community assessment and analyzing the results, prioritizing and planning for action, the group marched forward to develop a community raised garden project.

In the spring of 2016, the team started planning. They were lucky to have had a committed University summer student, sponsored by McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association, to lead the creation of 11 raised garden beds. Many donations from businesses were gathered including building supplies and skilled labour. The summer student also spent time recruiting volunteers that could offer their valuable time and skills, making a solid plan to sustain the project in the future.

Some of the inital learning of those who participated were the following:

• Increase awareness of the importance of a healthy diet
• Gain knowledge of how vegetables and fruit are grown
• Learn about community ownership/responsibility 

The wellness committee plan to continue to grow this project in the future.

Working together, communities can achieve beautiful things!

Ways to take action: Community Strategies - Mental Health