On Saturday, August 17th The Boreal Discovery Center showcased their brand new tractor along with all the new hopes for a bright and sustainable future. They will use the tractor to build future gardens, plant, and push the soil around in masses as they prepare for Fall Fest coming up on September 21st.
The $75,000 tractor was made possible by $65,000 in grants from the Thompson Community Foundation, Northern Manitoba Food, Culture, & Community Collaborative, Thompson Neighborhood Renewal corporation, along with a significant discount from Enns Brothers in Oab Bluff, where the tractor was purchased.
Mayor Colleen Smook was on hand to present $10,000 on behalf of the Thompson City Council, as their final contribution for 2024, supporting Boreal Discovery Centre.
"The Boreal Discovery Center has been very important to us as a city" Said Mayor Coleen Smook, "Our final contribution for 2024 is ten thousand dollars. We believe in the progress of this, to me, it's very important and to the rest of the community"
Fall Fest 2023 was our first year hosting this event and was made possible with the support of Thompson Pentecostal Assembly and Steven Larocque. The TPA provided several canned goods and Steven harvested his 20-foot by 20-foot garden in his front yard. “This year we have a garden that is 10 times that size, and we hope to help 10 times the amount of people,” said Geoff Greenfield; a dedicated board member overseeing the day-to-day operations at the Center and is committed to promoting sustainability in the north.
"We chose to create a garden that is 4,000 square feet, fill it full of food, and give all that food away every year at Fall Fest. But that's part of a three-year program to showcase food sustainability in the future” He added.
Last year's Fall Fest fed roughly 40 individuals. "That in itself goes to show you that in a small area, you can actually get a lot of food, and if someone in a remote community wants to have one garden it's feasible. Doesn't matter where it is, you can do it!”
With the Boreal Center already expanding, this year's Fall Fest they plan to feed 400 people. "Last year was a big success, it was huge! We'll see what we get out of the garden this year, it is the first year that we've tilled the soil” said Greenfield, "Next year, if we get the funding and find the land, we will put in two or three acres in addition. So then we will have three different levels of food sustainability”. According to Greenfield, two or three acres would provide enough produce to supply a grocery store with "Seasonally grown local produce”.
The Boreal Discovery Center is a place for people of all ages to come learn about all things boreal-related. One of the major highlights at the center is the sturgeon habitat, featuring large fish tanks surrounded by decorative stones, creating an immersive environment reminiscent of a natural reef or shoreline. Additionally, the interactive floor allows visitors to engage with the aquatic life, providing an entertaining experience for children and adults alike.
The Boreal Discovery Center's dedication to sustainability and community engagement is truly inspiring. From showcasing their new tractor to expanding their food sustainability program, the center continues to make a meaningful impact. As they prepare for this year's Fall Fest, it's evident that their commitment to educating and nourishing the community remains unwavering. With their efforts to promote environmental consciousness and provide an enriching experience for visitors, the Boreal Discovery Center stands as a beacon of hope for a brighter, sustainable future.
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Boreal Discovery Center prepares for Fall Fest
On Saturday, August 17th The Boreal Discovery Center showcased their brand new tractor along with all the new hopes for a bright and sustainable future. They will use the tractor to build future gardens, plant and push the soil around in masses as they prepare for Fall Fest coming up September 21st.
The $75,000 tractor was made possible by $65,000 in grants that was given to the Boreal Center. On the day of the event, the last $10,000 was presented by Mayor Colleen Smook on behalf of the Thompson City Counsel.
"The Borial Discovery Center has been very important to us as a city" Said Mayor Coleen Smook, "Our final contribution for 2024 is ten thousand dollars. We believe in the progress of this, to me, it's very important and to the rest of the community"
"The very first year we did this, it was a small garden. 20 foot by 20 foot. There really wasn't much space. This year we have 10 times that size, so we should have 10 times the amount of people” said Geoff Greenfield; a dedicated board member overseeing the day-to-day operations at the Center and is committed to promoting sustainability in the north.
"We chose to create a garden that is 4,000 square feet, fill it full of food, and give all that food away every year at Fall Fest. But that's part of a three-year program to showcase food sustainability in the future”
Last year was the first annual Fall Fest as it fed roughly 40 individuals "That in itself goes to show you that in a small area, you can actually get a lot of food, and if someone in a remote community wants to have one garden it's feasible. Doesn't matter where it is, you can do it!”
With the Boreal Center already expanding, this year's Fall Fest they plan to feed 400 people. "Last year was a big success, it was huge! We'll see what we get out of the garden this year, it is the first year that we've tilled the soil” said Greenfield, "Next year, if we get the funding we will put in two or three acres in addition. So then we will have three different levels of food sustainability”. According to Greenfield, two or three acres would provide as much food produce as a grocery store. "Seasonal grown local produce”.
The Boreal Discovery Center is a place for people of all ages to come learn about all things boreal-related. One of the major highlights at the center is the sturgeon habitat, featuring large fish tanks surrounded by decorative stones, creating an immersive environment reminiscent of a natural reef or shoreline. Additionally, the interactive floor allows visitors to engage with the aquatic life, providing an entertaining experience for children and adults alike.
The Boreal Discovery Center's dedication to sustainability and community engagement is truly inspiring. From showcasing their new tractor to expanding their food sustainability program, the center continues to make a meaningful impact. As they prepare for this year's Fall Fest, it's evident that their commitment to educating and nourishing the community remains unwavering. With their efforts to promote environmental consciousness and provide an enriching experience for visitors, the Boreal Discovery Center stands as a beacon of hope for a brighter, sustainable future.
