The Compost Diaries

A few years ago, I was the keynote speaker at the American Community Garden Association annual conference, held in Toronto. The organizers put together a fabulous event. One of the activities was a tour of FoodShare with Executive Dynamo Debbie Field. That was really my first introduction to this amazing group. They were trailblazers then [...]

Many years ago I made the choice to buy local and organic. But I do buy BC Hot House cucumbers, peppers and even tomatoes. But the greenhouse debate is on-going. Here are some of the pros and cons.
The pros are that greenhouses use only .01 % of BC’s total farmland and yet account for 11% [...]

Wed. June 23rd, 6pm to 8pm
A food hub is the emerging concept coming out of food security circles. It is a center of food activity and might include a farmers’ market, community gardens, commercial kitchen where small producers can process their foods or where people can gather to prepare meals together. Some food hubs even [...]

It is interesting to look back at the history of the organic egg industry here in light of the current struggle organic milk producers are having. More persecution of the small.
Fred Reid was an organic egg producer, the largest in BC, with a healthy customer base. His operation, Olera Farms went organic in 1986. The [...]

Mole Hill is one of my favourite Vancouver neighbourhoods. It’s a David and Goliath story of how residents and many groups battled for years against all odds (and the City) to make this happen. They won. It is still a great model of sustainable development. The City agrees. In fact to hear them talk now, [...]

A couple years ago I was actively involved in the fight to save Formosa Farm from being paved. We lost. The Pitt Meadows municipal government along with the same characters involved in the first travesty, are now trying to put in the second road that I mention in this chapter from my new book. That [...]

I’m doing another summer tour series, breaking out of my own neighbourhood this time.
Eating it Up in the West End
Sat. June 12, 10am to 12noon
What is edible landscaping? Are back alleys and school grounds potential food production sites? How does a farmers’ market fit into a neighbourhood? Join author Spring Gillard and architect Sean McEwan [...]

This is the second interview I did along my neighbourhood “gauntlet”. Danny was the first.
“Is McDonald’s ok for you?” Ken asks.
“Sure,” I say. Secretly quite happy I have an excuse to indulge in their french fries.
We park Jersey Cow outside with Ken’s backpack. Jersey Cow is a black and white Pitt Bull/Staffordshire cross. She looks [...]

Everyday I walk a gauntlet of outstretched hands, from the homeless to the non-profits, everyone is looking for a handout. I never know what to do. Give, not give, buy food for them, ignore. Meanwhile I too am struggling to survive in this so-called affluent neighbourhood. When I was working on the charity/emergency food system [...]

I wrote this little piece for my parents on their 50th anniversary. They are celebrating their 58th this weekend. My brothers have since dropped their immunity necklaces, but mine remains firmly clasped. Eight years later, the question I pose still seems relevant: Is there any adventure more challenging than a marriage?
My parents are survivors. Their [...]