CFB Petawawa plants two community gardens 0
TINA PEPLINSKIE
CFB/ASU PETAWAWA - Military families who enjoy planting and getting their hands dirty can now register for their spot at one of two community gardens.
On Monday CFB Petawawa Deputy Base Commander Major Kyle Taylor and Base Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Benoit officially reopened the base's community gardens by symbolically planting a tomato plant at the Pegasus Street Garden on the North town site.
The opening was held in conjunction with Earth Day, which was April 22.
The Pegasus garden has 15 plots sized approximately nine metres by 4 ½ metres while the Wolfe Avenue garden on the South town site has 24 plots. The third garden located on Paardeburg Boulevard will be closed due to the safety risks associated with a nearby construction project, explained Dalyce Vermette, assistant base environment officer.
This marks the third year those living in the residential housing units (RHU) at CFB/ASU Petawawa have been able to benefit from access to the gardens while growing their own produce and teaching their children where food comes from.
The gardens have grown in popularity year over year, according to Ms. Vermette, and she is hoping more people get involved this year. Plots will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis with a maximum of two plots per household. The use of the garden is free to encourage participation and raise awareness of the benefits of growing your own produce. The necessary gardening tools are available on site.
"It gets people out and it becomes a community," said Kelly Russell, Base Construction Engineers roads and grounds team leader.
"It also gives people pride of ownership," Ms. Vermette added.
The gardens will initially be offered to returning garden members. Interested residents of CFB Petawawa can contact Ms. Vermette at 613-687-5511 ext. 2756 or e-mail at dalyce.vermette@forces.gc.ca.
Residents can also visit the Canadian Forces Housing Agency office at 3420 Dundonald Drive to obtain a plot application form or they can be brought to the Base Environment Office in Building S-111, 101 Menin Rd., Room D-117.
Tina Peplinskie is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist
Pembroke