After five years and more than 100 projects, Co-op Community Spaces is continuing to invest in projects across Western Canada, including new funding for the Sustainable Red Deer Society, operating as ReThink Red Deer.
This year, Co-op is providing $40,000 to help build an open-air timber frame barn at Piper Creek Community Gardens.
The barn will be used as a gathering space, to collect rainwater for planted areas of the site, and to incorporate a pollinator habitat – including a goal to break the Guinness World Record for largest insect hotel.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of Co-op to bring back the barn at Piper Creek Community Gardens. We were sad to see the old one demolished for safety reasons in 2017.
“But, with the community spaces grant, we can showcase sustainable building techniques while supporting the community gardeners and pollinators that frequent the site,” said Kathy Parsons, president of ReThink Red Deer.
Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada.
In 2019, the program is providing $2 million to 26 community projects from Vancouver Island to Manitoba. Since 2015, Co-op has donated $8.5 million to 114 projects.
“Co-op Community Spaces aims to bring people together, creating places for everyone and building a lasting legacy that benefits our community into the future,” said Gerald Hiebert, CEO of Central Alberta Co-op.
“We’re happy to be a contributing partner on projects like this. They reflect the spirit and dedication of the people within our community.”