Alexandre-Aimée Baker
Special to the Tribune
There is something deeply grounding about watching a community come together around soil, art, and a shared vision for the future. On Wednesday, August 12th, the West Nipissing Community Health Centre (CHC) on Michaud Street was buzzing with that exact kind of energy as staff, volunteers, and community members gathered to celebrate the completion of a multi-stage community garden expansion, complete with handcrafted garden boxes, youth-led art projects, and a very generous financial boost.
Stepping inside the CHC’s gym just before 1:30 pm, visitors were greeted by a multi-generational art exhibit spread across tables and walls, showcasing paintings and mixed-media creations made by community members of all ages. Staff and volunteers were putting the finishing touches on an event designed to mark a major milestone for the facility, celebrating not only the new garden boxes and summer projects, but also a major financial presentation from the Caisse Alliance. And, of course, no community garden celebration is complete without refreshments sourced right from the earth, with guests treated to refreshing drinks crafted with ingredients harvested directly from the new garden, including a bright mint lemonade and a soothing lavender blend.
