Urban hens, community gardens among topics at open houses

NEWS/ CITY HALL — Kamloops residents will have a chance to give input to City Hall on urban chickens, community gardens and other urban agriculture issues at two open houses over the next few days.

A draft of the City’s Food and Urban Agriculture Plan touches on issues such as urban hens, community gardens, composting, a 12-month farmers’ market, access to healthy food for those in need, community kitchens, educational programs, gleaning, buy local campaigns and backyard food sharing.

The open houses have been planned for community members to provide feedback before the plan goes to City council for adoption later in the summer.

On Tuesday, May 26, City staff will be at Northills Mall by the Extra Foods entrance from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Then, on Saturday, May 30, the City will be at the Interior Savings Centre Parkside Lounge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At both events, there will be some local food samples courtesy of Terra Restaurant, informational displays featuring the plan’s action items, flip charts for residents to write down their thoughts, and paper copies of the draft plan for those who want more detail.

The Food and Urban Agriculture Plan is also at http://www.kamloops.ca/foodsecurity.