Community Outreach: Prince Rupert
Print this Article | Send to Colleague
Prince Rupert: Metlakatla Nation Improves Local Harvesting Opportunities Through Port Partnership
The Canadian Pacific coastal community of Metlakatla will be starting to harvest homegrown fresh produce year-round thanks in part to a contribution from the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund.
The Metlakatla Governing Council identified the development of the greenhouse as a priority for the community, given its geographical isolation in Northern British Columbia. Through community consultation, the greenhouse was centrally located and designed with the wants and needs of the entire community in mind, delivering key benefits of health and nutrition.
"This project not only enables residents of Metlakatla to produce their own healthy food supply, but it provides a means of allowing access to fresh, healthy produce for our youth, elders and community celebrations for generations to come," said Harold Leighton, Metlakatla chief councillor. "We recognize and greatly appreciate the financial contribution of the Port of Prince Rupert to make the goal of a fully functioning greenhouse in Metlakatla a reality."
The greenhouse initiative contributes to Metlakatla’s community health plan, and provides the basis for training in agricultural and growing practices. Food preservation and preparation workshops are planned to be hosted in the community kitchens, adding another dimension to enhancing shared knowledge and seasonal celebrations. The greenhouse has been planted with root vegetables as well as above-ground plants.
Half of the $93,246 capital cost of Metlakatla’s greenhouse project was funded by the port authority’s Community Investment Fund.
"We’re fortunate to be surrounded by a pristine environment that provides an abundance of natural, renewable food sources," said Maynard Angus, the port authority’s manager of aboriginal affairs. "However, our geography limits the ability to source fresh, affordable produce, and we’re pleased to assist the people of Metlakatla Nation with this community investment to continue improving their collective quality of life."
The Community Investment Fund is financed by a share of the port’s annual net income that has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the North Coast region of British Columbia. Since 2010, donations totaling approximately C$8 million have been disbursed from the fund to more than 50 local projects aimed at fulfilling sports, recreation, performing arts, health, education, the environment and other community needs.
The Canadian Pacific coastal community of Metlakatla will be starting to harvest homegrown fresh produce year-round thanks in part to a contribution from the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund.
The Metlakatla Governing Council identified the development of the greenhouse as a priority for the community, given its geographical isolation in Northern British Columbia. Through community consultation, the greenhouse was centrally located and designed with the wants and needs of the entire community in mind, delivering key benefits of health and nutrition.
"This project not only enables residents of Metlakatla to produce their own healthy food supply, but it provides a means of allowing access to fresh, healthy produce for our youth, elders and community celebrations for generations to come," said Harold Leighton, Metlakatla chief councillor. "We recognize and greatly appreciate the financial contribution of the Port of Prince Rupert to make the goal of a fully functioning greenhouse in Metlakatla a reality."
The greenhouse initiative contributes to Metlakatla’s community health plan, and provides the basis for training in agricultural and growing practices. Food preservation and preparation workshops are planned to be hosted in the community kitchens, adding another dimension to enhancing shared knowledge and seasonal celebrations. The greenhouse has been planted with root vegetables as well as above-ground plants.
Half of the $93,246 capital cost of Metlakatla’s greenhouse project was funded by the port authority’s Community Investment Fund.
"We’re fortunate to be surrounded by a pristine environment that provides an abundance of natural, renewable food sources," said Maynard Angus, the port authority’s manager of aboriginal affairs. "However, our geography limits the ability to source fresh, affordable produce, and we’re pleased to assist the people of Metlakatla Nation with this community investment to continue improving their collective quality of life."
The Community Investment Fund is financed by a share of the port’s annual net income that has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the North Coast region of British Columbia. Since 2010, donations totaling approximately C$8 million have been disbursed from the fund to more than 50 local projects aimed at fulfilling sports, recreation, performing arts, health, education, the environment and other community needs.
Metlakatla residents examine produce grown in the greenhouse funded by a contribution from the Port of Prince Rupert. Photo/Prince Rupert Port Authority
Back to AAPA Seaports Advisory
