Join us on Sept 26 and learn about the steps involved in starting a community garden. How to search for land, what is essential when starting a community garden, the supports that are available, tips for organizing the garden, and much more!
The attendance of at least one garden coordinator at a How to Start a Community Garden workshop is a requirement in order to receive funding through the Community Garden Development Fund. The coordinator must have attended a workshop in one of the past 3 years.
Registration is required as space is limited. When: Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 6:00pm-8:00pm Where: Just Food Farm in the Big Red Barn | 2391 Pépin Court RSVP: Email communitygardening@justfood.ca
on RSVP please identify the general area where you plan to set up a community garden, and summarize your work to date, if applicable.
How important are the following elements to you in your neighbourhood? Xs mark suggested items to identify as important
Housing is available to people at different stages of life and physical ability. X Housing is affordable for a wide range of people. X People can walk and bike in safety X People can walk or bike or use transit to get to most daily services (such as grocery stores, schools or daycare) People can use their cars to get to most daily services (such as grocery stores, schools or daycare) Presence of a vibrant commercial area Ability to walk or bike to greenspace and parks X Good public transit options for commuting that are close to my home X Ability to commute using my car Healthy food is available X Mature trees on public streets My neighbourhood has a distinct character Strong social connections to others in my neighbourhood X
Are there any elements that are
important to you that are not listed above?
At
a neighbourhood level, elements that are priorities to me, in addition to the
above clear priorities on housing and transportation for everyone, include:
urban, suburban and rural neighbourhoods/villages maintaining services that reduce the need to commute or travel for basic, daily household needs
accessible social spaces that are maintained for me to meet with my neighbours to engage in community leadership, planning and activity
places near to my home for me to grow my own food (including on municipal lands) and to access locally-grown whole food
bioregional plants and biodiversity as priorities for all lands under municipal care, not just mature trees, with an emphasis on building an edible landscape throughout the city.
In your opinion, what are the key
issues facing the city?Xs mark suggested items to identify as
important
Affordable housing. X Making transit accessible, affordable, convenient and comfortable. X Road Congestion The impacts of climate change X Jobs Managing intensification (increasing the number of people that live in established neighbourhoods). X Protecting the natural environment. X Limiting the expansion of the city. X Protecting Ottawa’s heritage Protecting the character of Ottawa’s communities Creating an inclusive city. X Making Ottawa more exciting through arts and culture Protection of agricultural lands. X Rural economic development. X
Is there an important issue that is
not listed above?
Not
jobs – but rather purposeful work: Focus on training, supports and models
that invest in the community, including social enterprise, apprenticeship and
incubation models, for people with barriers to employment, including youth and
New Canadians, towards longer-term employment or entrepreneurship within a
regional orientation to economic development.
The
intersectionality of these issues must be at the core of the new Official
Plan. Without limiting the suburban expansion in Ottawa through
intensification, farmland and natural spaces will be developed, which impacts
rural economic development, food security, sustainable environment, and quality
of life for all, etc. Without creating a more inclusive Ottawa, access to
employment, housing and transportation is not attainable by significant numbers
of our neighbours.
What would make the city better for
you?
Shifting
the overall policy lens to sound investment in preventive, proactive approaches,
and away from the current ever-increasing investment into expensive band-aid
responses. With proper preventive investment in our social and community
infrastructure and natural environment, we can avoid the inevitable social and
personal fallout that comes from placing a priority on funding reactive cures.
A
significant increase in affordable housing, with a priority along current and future transit
routes, in both urban and rural neighbourhoods/villages, with attendant
mid-sized, managed intensification that ensures no more farmland or natural
spaces within the City of Ottawa boundaries are developed for housing or
industry. Housing, food security and urban/rural economic development
have to be planned and supported together so that one does not undermine the
other. Having reached a million residents and growing, Ottawa has the
critical mass to support a much more vibrant local economy that will reinforce
the region’s quality of life and economic resiliency.
Do you have an idea for a dream project
that would set Ottawa apart from other cities?
We
have incredible, innovative talent in Ottawa, across residents, communities,
businesses, organizations and government. We can choose to use our
municipal resources in Ottawa to ensure that EVERY resident:
–
has good housing, good food, good work
–
moves effectively throughout the urban, suburban and rural parts of the city
and beyond
–
is included in a diverse, local economy based in the arts, food and farming,
service industry, health, technology, energy, manufacturing and processing,
etc. and that respects, operates within the limits of, and enhances the local
environment.
–
can access effective, affordable required health, social and community support
from birth to death
–
lives feeling part of safe, inclusive neighbourhoods/villages.
Investment
into this clear and shared mission must be set as the number one priority by
Council as a whole, with permanent and significant increases in the City’s
budget for social and community infrastructure to carry this
out.
Question
on which papers you are addressing:
Don’t
worry about checking any boxes.
What are the key takeaways that stand
out to you in this paper?
A
broader group of community, social, environment and economic stakeholders
across Ottawa are continuing to develop the principles listed above and will
provide further, detailed consensus re. strategic priorities this summer to
feed into the presentation August 22nd at Planning.
How do you think the City should
address these issues?
The
City needs to give more time for community stakeholders to influence details of
what is being proposed as Strategic Directions than over the summer.
Ottawa agencies, businesses and residents do want to participate in, and need
to be part of, setting the agenda.
We
need the City to allow for sufficient time allowances and opportunities for
community leadership to build out these solutions and present directly to
policy decision-makers at City Hall.
We
need more information sent out to community agencies, networks and residents on
a regular basis about opportunities for input.
Any other thoughts on this topic?
Investment
in community and social infrastructure must increase significantly.
We
can and must do better in Ottawa than continued focus of investment primarily
into export-based economic development and physical infrastructure.
The School of Social Innovation is excited to launch the 2019 edition of the Social Innovation Summer School! This year’s focus is on food system transformation – how are groups and communities using the lens of the food system to unpack pressing social challenges and imagine our world differently through food? Join us May 13-18 for 6 packed days of discussion, guest speakers and field trips!
Food has long been a tool and site of societal transformation. Over the past 30 years, individuals and groups have sought increasingly innovative ways to address the social, environmental and economic challenges facing our food system, while also imagining and articulating the possibility for a new kind of food system. From food co-operatives and community gardens to peasant and farmworker movements, food centres, gleaning projects and food policy councils there is a wide diversity of approaches, visions and manifestations of food system transformation. Using the lens of the food system, we will explore various pathways and orientations to social change and social innovation, as well as specific projects, collaborations and organizations seeking to “do food differently” in the Ottawa region.
This is a week-long intensive course, cross-listed as both undergraduate and graduate. It can also be taken without credit for those interested in auditing or continuing education.
By request from a number of people, Just Food is extending the deadline for Start-Up Farm applications from this Sunday to Monday, December 3, 2018 – 9am to allow another couple of weekends to ask us questions and fill in the application form.
Please keep in mind that there is the Cliff Gazee Bursary to assist with expenses should someone interested be living with low-income.
By request from a number of people, Just Food is extending the deadline for Start-Up Farm applications from this Sunday to Monday, December 3, 2018 – 9am to allow another couple of weekends to ask us questions and fill in the application form.
Please keep in mind that there is the Cliff Gazee Bursary to assist with expenses should someone interested be living with low-income.
Instructions:
Please send your resumé and cover letter within one attached document to info@justfood.ca by May 29that 5:00 pm.
– Resumés will be reviewed as they come in and we will schedule interviews and hire as soon as we have a successful candidate.
– Your email must have the subject line “Summer Student Hiring” for it to be considered.
– 3 references must be provided on request
Eligibility:
This is a part-time position. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a secondary, or postsecondary institution or within six months of graduation and have reached the age of 15 and not yet reached the age of 25 upon commencement of employment. Applicants must be residing in Ontario for the duration of employment.
This position is part of the Government of Ontario’s 2018 Summer Experience Program. This position is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport and the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
Responsibilities:
Work with our partners including farmers, breweries, wineries, community gardens, and local museums, to develop and coordinate rural tour experiences for tourists and Ottawa residents alike.
Create promotional material for tours and implement promotional strategy.
Set up payment portals for each tour, handle RSVPs from the public and specific requests, such as food preferences.
Coordinate tour destinations and work out agreements with hosts.
Coordinate logistics – including routes, timing, supplies, translation etc. for tours.
Invoice and track expenditures.
Participate in day-to-day processes and procedures at our office, including staff meetings, larger events, site tours, and more.
Qualifications:
Keen interest in, commitment to, and some knowledge of food/farming systems and community-based initiatives.
Ability to work independently in an office environment
Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
Strong attention to detail
Ability to balance taking initiative with strong team communication skills
Event planning and implementation
Project coordination and time management
Project level financial tracking
Decision-making, problem solving and negotiation
Excellent writing in English – with particular emphasis on agreements, and speaking notes for tours
Social media (Facebook, blogging, Twitter)
Comfortable and confident in speaking with members of the public and initiative stakeholders in both official language
Some evening and weekend work will be a requirement to fulfill this position’s duties
Billingualism will be strongly considered
Asset – Some ability to use WordPress.
Please relate your personal skills and experience to what we’re looking for above.
Any student in Social Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism, and Communications that in the future intends to be working on projects in either the non-profit, public or private sector will be gaining long-term practical skill development to serve them well in their future careers. Working well with others and working through problems are essential for these sectors.
This part-time position will begin the week of June 2 and work for 217.5 hours (2-3 days per week) until the week of August 31 2018.
When: June 13 7:00 – 9:00
Where: Plant Recreation Centre, 930 Somerset Street West
Cost: $10.00 or pay what you can
This workshop will help the organic gardener manage those pesky pests that tend to take up so much our summer! Some of this workshop instructs on removing pests from the garden, but it is primarily concerned with proactive decisions in the garden’s early stages. Learn to encourage more beneficial insects to your garden & plant in ways that prevent pest & disease issues.
For more information about Just Food, please see www.justfood.ca
TO APPLY: All of the following must be met:
– Please send your resumé and cover letter within one attached document to info@justfood.ca by May 8that 5:00 pm.
– For Position A, Just Food Farm Site Developer, resumés will be reviewed as they come in and we will schedule interviews and hire as soon as we have a successful candidate.
– Your email must have the subject line “Summer Student Hiring” for it to be considered.
– Interviews will be on May 10th and 11th. (If you cannot make one of these dates, please state reason in your cover letter).
– 3 references must be provided on request.
Position A: Just Food Farm Site Developer
Position B: Just Food Farm Animator
Position C: Agri-Tourism Event Animator – Bilingual position
One more position may be available, pending funding, please check back Friday May 4thfor information on this position
Summer Student Work Terms:
Positions A, and B are full-time positions. Applicants must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment; have been registered as full-time students in the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year. Position A and B are part oftheCanada Summer Jobs grant stream with Employment and Social Development Canada.
Position C is a part-time position. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a secondary, or postsecondary institution or within six months of graduation and have reached the age of 15 and not yet reached the age of 25 upon commencement of employment.
Position C is part of the Government of Ontario’s 2018 Summer Experience Program. This position is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport and the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
All positions offer a salary of $15/hour
General Requirements (for all positions):
Keen interest in, commitment to, and some knowledge of food/farming systems and community-based initiatives.
Ability to work independently in an office environment
Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
Strong attention to detail
Ability to balance taking initiative with strong team communication skills
Please relate your personal skills and experience to what we’re looking for below. If you are interested in more than one position, make sure your cover letter and resume indicate this clearly.
Job Descriptions:
A) Just Food Farm Site Developer
This position will support the critical early season development of Just Food Community Farm, a non-profit demonstration and training farm. The Just Food Farm Site Developer will have a variety of tasks related to farm site management.
Field preparation and management – ability to use a tractor
Conduct soil nutrient tests
Design & implement fertility/crop plan for summer on entire farm
Manage demonstration seed variety trials
Rogue and select demonstration seed adaptation crops
Develop a plan for new sugar bush management
Work with a local conservation authority & National Capital Commission to determine a water reservoir plan for the farm with connection to the existing tile drainage system
Develop and monitor irrigation expansion
In addition to the qualifications listed in the general section the ideal candidate will have:
A background in Agriculture Sciences, Horticultural sciences, or Geography/Environmental Science.
Ability and interest to perform outdoor field work (including grass-cutting on riding lawn-mower).
Have taken, or willing to take the tractor safety course through Workplace Safety and Protection Services.
This position will begin at the latest on May 14 and work for 30 hours per week until the week of August 3rd.
B) Just Food Farm Animator
The Just Food Farm Animator will energize the Just Food Community Farm site by coordinating public events focused on skills-building in growing and using food, including speakers, workshops, art shows, musical events, etc. and one larger community celebration at the end of the season.
Just Food Farm Animator will have the following responsibilities:
Coordinate, conduct outreach for, and animate twice weekly community events (Wednesdays and Sundays), with the support of permanent staff
Develop communications for the JFF Programs
Collect information related to organic certification from site producers
Manage the inventory of shared equipment, infrastructure, tools and irrigation supplies
Support farm partners with farm schedules and documentation
Social media experience (Facebook, blogging, Twitter)
Comfortable and confident in speaking with members of the public and initiative stakeholders
In addition to the qualifications listed in the general section the ideal candidate will have:
Event Planning Experience
Good time management skills
Experience working in a fast paced environment
Willing to contribute time on weekends and evenings
Some experience with graphic design software
Bilingualism (French & English) is an asset
Some evening and weekend work will be a requirement to fulfill this position’s duties
Asset – Some ability to use WordPress.
This position will begin the week of May 28 and work for 30 hours per week until the week of August 17
C) Agri-Tourism Event Animator – Bilingual position
A priority for Just Food’s work is experiential tourism based on the burgeoning local agriculture sector in the Ottawa region. Tours will be focused on food, rural life, agriculture, and gardening.
The Agri-Tourism Animator will be responsible to:
Work with our partners including farmers, breweries, wineries, community gardens, and local museums, to develop and coordinate rural tour experiences for tourists and Ottawa residents alike.
Create promotional material for tours and implement promotional strategy.
Set up payment portals for each tour, handle RSVPs from the public and specific requests, such as food preferences.
Coordinate tour destinations and work out agreements with hosts.
Coordinate logistics – including routes, timing, supplies, translation etc. for tours.
Invoice and track expenditures.
Participate in day-to-day processes and procedures at our office, including staff meetings, larger events, site tours, and more.
In addition to the qualifications listed in the general section the ideal candidate will have the following skills:
Event planning and implementation
Project coordination and time management
Project level financial tracking
Decision-making, problem solving and negotiation
Excellent writing in English – with particular emphasis on agreements, and speaking notes for tours
Social media (Facebook, blogging, Twitter)
Comfortable and confident in speaking with members of the public and initiative stakeholders in both official language
Some evening and weekend work will be a requirement to fulfill this position’s duties
Asset – Some ability to use WordPress.
Any student in Social Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism, and Communications that in the future intends to be working on projects in either the non-profit, public or private sector will be gaining long-term practical skill development to serve them well in their future careers. Working well with others and working through problems are essential for these sectors.
This part-time position will begin the week of May 14 and work for 14.5 hours per week until the week of August 24 2018
