In the heart of Hamilton, Ontario, lies an inspiring tale of transformation and community resilience. The McQuesten Urban Farm, now known as Niwasa, stands as a testament to the power of reclamation and the impact of sustainable agriculture in addressing food insecurity.
A Glimpse into History: The Airfield Era
Before it became a lush, productive farm, the land that McQuesten Urban Farm occupies had a very different identity. This area was once an airfield, a flat expanse where airplanes took off and landed, serving as a hub for aviation activities. However, as the city evolved, the airfield fell into disuse, leaving behind a stretch of land that seemed forgotten by time.
The Transformation: From Airfield to Urban Oasis
Recognizing the potential of this underutilized space, community leaders and environmental advocates envisioned a new purpose for the land. They saw an opportunity to address a pressing issue in the McQuesten neighbourhood: the lack of access to fresh, healthy food. This area was a classic example of a food desert, where residents had limited options for purchasing affordable, nutritious food. The vision was to turn the old airfield into an urban farm that could provide fresh produce to the community, promote sustainable agriculture, and offer educational opportunities.
Remediation: Healing the Land
The transformation from airfield to urban farm was no small feat. The land required extensive remediation to remove pollutants and ensure it was safe for growing food. This process involved soil testing, removal of contaminants, and enriching the soil with organic matter to restore its fertility. It was a collaborative effort, with local government, environmental organizations, and community members all playing a part in bringing the vision to life.
The Birth of McQuesten Urban Farm/Niwasa
With the land prepared, McQuesten Urban Farm was born. It quickly became more than just a place to grow food; it became a hub for community engagement, education, and empowerment. The farm operates on principles of sustainable agriculture, using organic farming methods to cultivate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These fresh, locally grown products are then made available to residents through farm stands, markets, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
Niwasa, the name adopted for the farm, reflects its deeper cultural and community significance. In the Indigenous Ojibwe language, “Niwasa” means “taking care of the land.” This name embodies the farm’s mission to nurture the environment while providing for the community.
Addressing Food Insecurity: A Community Effort
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The impact of Niwasa on food security in the McQuesten neighbourhood has been profound. By providing a reliable source of fresh produce, the farm helps to alleviate some of the challenges associated with living in a food desert. Residents now have greater access to nutritious food, which is crucial for maintaining health and well-being.
Beyond providing food, Niwasa serves as a center for education and engagement. Workshops and programs teach community members about gardening, nutrition, and sustainable living practices. This knowledge empowers individuals to take control of their food choices and encourages a culture of self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.
A Model for Urban Agriculture
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The success of McQuesten Urban Farm/Niwasa stands as a model for other cities facing similar challenges. It demonstrates how urban spaces can be repurposed to serve the community, address food insecurity, and promote sustainable practices. The farm's story is a reminder that with vision, collaboration, and dedication, we can transform forgotten spaces into thriving, vibrant hubs of community life.
As Niwasa continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of hope and resilience, showing us all the incredible possibilities that arise when we come together to care for the land and each other.
Community Leaders
During our stormwater week event, we had the pleasure of working alongside and learning with Niwasa’s Farm lead, Kevin. In addition to being the farm lead at the urban farm, Kevin along with his wife and 3 children run their own farm named Tilthy Soil Organic Farms. Kevin and his wife, Sandra have been farming together since 2010 and collectively have 34 years of experience growing organic vegetables in which they now apply to their organic farm. “Tilthy” means “nutrient rich soil with porous spaces for air filtration and movement of water”. Kevin and his family focus on regenerative and organic farming and have made it their mission to protect their soils.
Tilthy soil farms runs a food box program that has been up and running for the past decade along with many other community events. The farm is located on Onkwehonwe lands, 15 minutes from downtown Brantford.
Kevin is an extremely knowledgeable steward of the land and farmer and we encourage you to volunteer alongside him at Niwasa farms or check out Tilthy Soils website for more information on their programs and upcoming workshops.
