A brisk wind did not deter residents as the Heartland Beautification Committee unveiled upgrades to the Central Community Garden on Sept. 11.
About a dozen people gathered at the corner of 46 Avenue and 57a Street for a grand opening for the site’s newest additions: a paved asphalt space for wheelchair-accessible raised garden beds, and a dedicated pollinator habitat.
The refurbishment addresses long-standing challenges that have affected the location since Stettler launched its community garden initiative in 2010.
Poor soil conditions and weed issues led the committee to pursue raised beds, prompting a search for sponsors to fund an accessible gardening area for those with mobility challenges.
The project features two wheelchair-accessible raised beds, with room to expand by up to six more.
Committee members chose to pilot two beds during the upcoming growing season in order to make any necessary adjustments before building additional units.
The upgrades also include four raised pollinator beds for bees and butterflies facing habitat loss.
Committee Chair Grace Fix emphasized the ecological purpose of the beds, noting that a town the size of Stettler should have around 12 pollinator gardens to support the local insect population.
The installation will also serve as an educational tool to encourage residents to incorporate pollinator-friendly plants into their own yards.
A QR code on the beds will take residents to a listing of vegetation they can plant to assist pollinators.
Town Councillor Wayne Smyth, who’s served 17 years on the beautification committee, brought greetings alongside Mayor Gord Lawlor.
The garden upgrades were funded by donations from the Stettler Legion Branch #59, the Catholic Women’s League, and SuperFluity, with corporate sponsorships provided by Camrose Energy, Inter Pipeline and Grey To Green.
The Town of Stettler supplied in-kind ground preparation work, and local high school students assisted by spreading mulch across the site.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
