Urban farm to grow food in vacant east end lot

Photo: Bowery Project

A vacant lot at Gerrard and Sherbourne, which has been sitting empty for a decade, is set to transform into a makeshift urban farm.

The land is earmarked for condos, but in the time before development takes place, not-for-profit group Bowery Project will use the space to grow fresh, organic food for local community groups and restaurants.

Owned by developer Oben Flats, which also has a rental building under construction in Leslieville, the lot will grow produce in re-purposed milk crates that sit above the land, allowing for an easy change of location when the space must later be reclaimed for its subsequent use.

Bowery Project creates opportunities for urban agriculture through the temporary use of vacant lots. The organization designs, builds and manages mobile urban farms in downtown Toronto that grow vegetables as well as a range of herbs and flowers.

On May 7, Bowery Project will be installing a 1,500-crate farm with the help of volunteers. The organization has partnered with the Native Women's Resource Centre, Anishnawabe Health Toronto, Sherbourne Health Centre and the Robertson House to offer educational programming through hands-on volunteering opportunities and urban farming workshops.  The produce grown onsite will be donated to the NWRC and sold to local chefs.