The Southlands community continues to take shape with great excitement as we approach Founder’s Day this September 2020. Founder’s Day will mark a special milestone for not only the history of Southlands, but for the community of Tsawwassen, as we welcome people into the first agrihood of its size and scale in Canada (and North America!).

At its core, Southlands is rooted in farming and food – where farm life will be woven into home life, village life, local craft businesses, and community events. Over the past year, many key components have been added to the site – both large and small – that will ensure the longevity of the farm and the well-being of the residents. 

Our beautiful young orchards at 56 Street and behind the amphitheatre in Market Square are becoming more established. Our hope is that by next summer, we will be harvesting fruit from these trees and in turn, contributing to the food security of the community residents, local businesses, and restaurants. 

Additionally, the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box program was rolled out this spring by our farm partners Salt & Harrow Farm, with an astonishing interest from the community as the organic and local box program sold out in the first few days of launch.

Structures such as our bee apiaries and mason bee houses, orchestrated by our knowledgeable onsite partners Boundary Bay Bees and Earthwise, have grown significantly. This colony is taking shape and as it matures it will not only produce local honey, but the bees contribute largely to the ecosystem of the farm, gardens and landscaping. 

In addition to the large-scale Southlands Farm, some members of the community will have access to allotment gardens which will allow households to get their hands dirty and take charge of their own food production or to simply use as a hobby garden. 

We look forward to sharing more details over the coming month as we plan to welcome you in September for Founder’s Day, the official opening of Southlands.