June 23, 2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB--  NDP MLA for St. James Adrien Sala was joined by new Canadian families, seniors and St. James residents to celebrate the creation of a new community garden. The “Green Haven Community Garden,” is a community project that gives St. James seniors, school kids and new Canadian families living on Lyle Street a space to grow food and get to know one another.   

“Last summer I was thrilled to help bring together Art City, community donors and the Deer Lodge Community Club to provide free art programming for the many kids who live on Lyle Street and throughout our West Winnipeg neighbourhoods,” said Sala. “This summer we are building on that success with the creation of the Green Haven garden. It's a safe place for our kids to learn and for families to get to know their neighbours while they share in the joys of growing healthy food and spending time outdoors.”     

"Community Gardens are spaces that bring people together,” said Breanna Sawatzky, Deer Lodge Community Club Board President. “We are so excited about this opportunity to offer a community garden through the Deer Lodge Community Club."    

Created in June of this year, the Green Haven Community Garden is located right beside 25 Habitat for Humanity homes that house new Canadian families. These families, along with seniors from Bruce Park Place and school kids from Linwood School, are already making great use of this space. The garden was made possible by many generous sponsors, including Winnipeg Airports Authority and Star Builders. Altogether, MLA Adrien Sala and the Deer Lodge Community Club raised over $20,000 to get the garden built.     

"The garden has so many positives for our community,” said Darlene Lewis, who gardens there. “It promotes community awareness, conversations, and sharing."