Call to Action

The Circular Farm and Food Society (Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture) is presenting our Annual Report and 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan to the District of North Saanich, and we need your support. On Monday, March 10th, at 7:00 PM, North Saanich Council will hold a public meeting, and we are asking the community to consider speaking for up to three minutes during the public participation period.

Sandown is a vital community asset, fostering local food security, regenerative farming, and environmental stewardship.

In 2024 alone, we:

• Supported 18 regenerative farmers through our incubator program, with 6 acres in cultivation and 20 acres for rotational grazing.

• Engaged over 1,600 people through farm tours, workshops, and public events.

• Welcomed 576 students for hands-on field trips through our Intermediary Agreement with the charity Growing Young Farmers Society.

• Expanded our community garden to 75 plots, providing space for residents to grow their own food.

• Produced over 25,000 pounds of fresh produce, supporting local food access.

It is essential that Council hears directly from the community about why Sandown matters.

Our Requests to Council:

1. Ongoing operational support – Confirm the allocation of $125,000 for 2025 and 2026 from the District’s Agricultural Reserve Fund to support site operations, as identified in our lease agreement.

2. Long-term security – Extend the lease agreement to 2035, for fifteen year renewable terms thereafter.

   
   

How You Can Help:

1. Speak at the March 10th Council Meeting at 7pm. Share why Sandown is important to you. No need to be an expert—your personal experience matters! The meeting is in person at North Saanich Municipal Hall, 1620 Mills Road.

2. Send an email to Council. If you cannot attend, email allmayorandcouncil@northsaanich.ca to show your support. All mail addressed to Mayor and Council is a public document.

3. Spread the word. Share the message with friends, family, and neighbours who value local food and sustainable farming.

   
   

Your support helps ensure a thriving future for local food, farmers, and the community!