As the late afternoon sun filters through the trees at the Elora Centre for the Arts, it’s easy to envision what this grassy section of the property could become in the months ahead. What now stands as an open lawn will soon transform into Wellington County’s newest community food forest – a living classroom where residents can connect with sustainable food production right in the heart of Elora.
“This isn’t just about growing food,” explains Sarah Martin, chair of the newly formed Elora Community Food Forest committee. “It’s about creating a space where the community can gather, learn, and develop deeper connections with our food systems and each other.”
The initiative, announced earlier this month, will transform roughly one-third of an acre behind the historic arts centre into a food production landscape featuring fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, and other edible perennials. Unlike traditional community gardens with individual plots, this food forest will function as a shared ecosystem where anyone can participate in the cultivation and eventually harvest fresh produce.
The concept emerged from conversations between the arts centre leadership and local food security advocates who recognized the potential of the underutilized space. Centre for the Arts Executive Director Lianne Carter notes the alignment with their organizational values.
“Art isn’t just about what happens inside our walls,” Carter told me during a site visit last week. “This project represents another form of creativity – one that nurtures both community and the environment simultaneously.”
Food forests are gaining popularity across Canada as communities seek sustainable approaches to local food production. Unlike conventional agricultural methods, these systems mimic natural forest ecosystems with multiple layers of complementary plants that support each other’s growth with minimal intervention.
“We’re looking at seven layers of productive plants,” explains committee member and permaculture designer Jamie Kent. “From canopy trees down to root vegetables, everything works together as a cohesive system that builds soil health while producing food.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Statistics Canada reported that food prices rose 3.9% year-over-year in the latest inflation data. For Wellington County families already feeling the pinch of housing costs, access to freely available nutritious food could make a meaningful difference.
The project has already secured initial funding through a $10,000 grant from Wellington County’s Green Legacy Programme, which will support the purchase of trees and other perennial plants. Additional fundraising efforts are underway to cover remaining expenses for soil preparation, water management systems, and educational signage.
“We’re taking a phased approach,” Martin notes. “This fall we’ll prepare the site, then plant the first trees in spring 2024. The understory plantings will follow, and we expect the first meaningful harvests within two to three years.”
Beyond producing food, organizers emphasize the educational opportunities the forest will provide. Plans include workshops on sustainable gardening, forest management, and food preservation techniques. Local schools have already expressed interest in incorporating the space into their curriculum.
Township of Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton voiced support for the initiative at a recent council meeting. “Projects like this food forest demonstrate the innovation happening in our communities. It aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals while creating another reason for residents and visitors to spend time in our downtown.”
Not everyone is convinced, however. Some neighbouring property owners have expressed concerns about potential issues with wildlife attraction and maintenance responsibilities. The committee has been proactive in addressing these concerns through community consultation sessions.
“We’ve learned valuable lessons from other established food forests,” committee member Emily Watson explains. “Proper design minimizes pest issues, and our maintenance plan ensures the space will remain attractive and well-kept year-round.”
The project also aims to preserve and highlight Indigenous food knowledge. The committee has reached out to local Indigenous leaders to ensure respectful incorporation of traditional food plants and cultivation practices.
“This land has a rich history of feeding people long before European settlement,” notes Watson. “Acknowledging and learning from that history is an essential part of creating a truly community-oriented space.”
For residents interested in contributing to the project, volunteer registration is now open through the arts centre’s website. The committee will host its first public planning meeting on October 12th at the Elora Centre for the Arts, where community members can view preliminary designs and offer input.
“Everyone brings something valuable to this effort,” Martin emphasizes. “Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply interested in learning, there’s a place for you in this project.”
As food security challenges grow across Canada, initiatives like the Elora Community Food Forest represent a tangible way for small communities to build resilience while strengthening social connections. Perhaps most importantly, it offers a hopeful vision of what’s possible when community members come together around a shared purpose.
The fruits of their labour – quite literally – will soon be available for all to enjoy.
