Over the past two years, New Gold, through the Community Investment Program, has contributed more than $12,000 to community garden programs across the region, supporting community capacity building and resilience in the region. These investments support spaces that serve as vital hubs for food security, education, and community connection in Rainy River, Fort Frances, and Chapple.
Rainy River
The Rainy River Kids Summer Garden Program brings young participants together throughout the summer months for hands-on learning experiences. This year, despite challenging weather conditions, children engaged in activities like crafting flower frames while developing gardening skills.
New Gold’s funding helped purchase a storage shed for the program, which was constructed by the Rainy River Seniors Fix-it Club—demonstrating cross-generational community collaboration. The shed provides essential storage for tools and equipment, enabling the program to expand its activities.
Fort Frances
Since 2011, volunteers have maintained the Fort Frances Community Garden, which serves individuals, families, and organizations working to address rising produce costs. When the organization needed help keeping deer out of the garden plots, New Gold provided funding for protective fencing.
The garden’s impact extends across demographics. Among its users are multi-generational families like Norma and her grandson Beau (pictured), who tend their plot together, as well as community groups that incorporate the garden into their programming.
“The community garden means a great deal to so many. It is a place that’s open and welcome to all community members no matter what their ethnic background or age,” shared gardener Sandy. “It’s a place to share, collaborate and to receive and provide education with the focus on healthy living.”
Chapple
Established in 2024, the Chapple Community Garden focuses specifically on youth engagement. The program encourages young people to take responsibility for growing, watering, and harvesting their own produce—providing hands-on learning about agriculture and food production while offering an alternative to screen-based activities.
New Gold’s funding helped establish the infrastructure needed to launch this initiative and support its first growing season.
