Uptown Grows – Urban Garden Connecting Community
Note: A donation to this organization is not eligible for a charitable tax receipt, but you will receive a confirmation for your records.
About the project:
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region reports that visits to a meal program increased in the city of Waterloo alone by 91.1% since 2024. The Vital Signs report identifies an opportunity for people to grow food and interact with others and asks, with the increasing cost of food: “Could new sites be set up at office locations? At faith-based institutions? Onsite at not-for-profit organizations – volunteer supported and funded through donations?” We believe they can!
As the voice for the City Centre of Waterloo, we embrace sustainable growth through intensification and a diverse mix of uses. We have a strong, clear voice advocating for our membership, which makes outreach and this project possible. Uptown Waterloo BIA will collaborate with business owners, neighbours, high schools, and non-profits to gather resources and skills, to first build urban garden boxes, grow food for non-profits and community groups in need, then come together in the fall to celebrate our connection and diversity through food.
40% of the money raised will go to building and growing supplies, while 60% will be invested in a harvest celebration for all. Any overage will be invested in more boxes and explore composting or recycling enhancements in Uptown. Help us offer experiential learning opportunities, increase a sense of belonging, reduce food insecurity and come together to nourish community.
Where will the project take place:
This project will take place in Waterloo and serve people located in Waterloo Region.
Amount requested: $15,000
About the Organization
We are an independent non-profit organization, financed by a levy on each property in the Uptown Waterloo boundary. The Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) exists to promote, beautify, and enhance the urban experience of Uptown Waterloo and aid in the interests of business with relevance to consumer markets, neighbourhood residents, overall aesthetic, and the continued positive evolution of the Uptown core.
For more information about the above project, email Christy.Bertrand@waterloo.ca
