Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl and Carmen LeBlanc, manager, community and Indigenous relations, FortisBC, planted seedlings in one of the new raised garden beds at Homewood supportive housing, May 20, 2026. [FortisBC]
Friday May 22, 2026 | CAMPBELL RIVER, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
FortisBC in partnership with the City of Campbell River and Lookout Housing and Health Society supported the creation of a community garden at the Homewood supportive housing initiative.
This was a FortisBC contribution as part of the utility’s Community Giving Day initiative.
FortisBC’s Community Giving Days program supports communities across British Columbia through volunteerism and targeted investments focused on safety, education and community well-being.
Volunteers from FortisBC, the City of Campbell River and Lookout Society gather at Homewood supportive housing in Campbell River to help build a new community garden, May 20, 2026. [FortisBC]
For this project, FortisBC has contributed funding toward the garden’s construction, materials and related infrastructure, supporting a project that will provide long-term benefits for residents of the supportive housing site.
“Community Giving Days are one of the ways we live out our values and help to build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia. This project in Campbell River is a great example of what’s possible when we work alongside local organizations to create spaces that support well-being, connection and a sense of belonging,” said Carmen LeBlanc, manager, community and Indigenous relations, FortisBC.
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Learning, wellness and community connection:
Volunteers from FortisBC and the City have worked alongside Lookout Society staff and residents to build a shared outdoor garden space designed to promote food-based learning, mental wellness and community connection.
Wednesday at the garden:
On Wednesday May 20, LeBlanc and other FortisBC team members were on site in Campbell River along with Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl, City councillors and senior City staff.
Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl and Carmen LeBlanc, manager, community and Indigenous relations, FortisBC, planted seedlings in one of the new raised garden beds at Homewood supportive housing, May 20, 2026. [FortisBC]
Their host was Megan Kriger, director of development and other team members of the Lookout Housing and Health Society.
Several volunteers, including FortisBC employees, City staff, Lookout Society team members and residents, came together to build the shared outdoor space.
The project included installing a greenhouse, raised garden beds, preparing soil and planting, and creating a space designed to support food-based learning, mental wellness and community connection.
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The Homewood location:
The new community garden is located at Homewood, a 48-unit temporary supportive housing site that opened in November 2024 for individuals transitioning from shelters or encampments.
[See BC Government news release: New temporary supportive housing opening in Campbell River – Nov 29, 2024]
The Homewood temporary supportive housing project in Campbell River opened in Nov 2024. [BC Government] – Nov 2024
The new food-growing garden space will provide residents with an opportunity to grow natural food on site, spend time outdoors and connect with one another.
“The community garden donated by FortisBC will create a significant positive impact on people’s lives at Homewood in very real ways,” said Shayne Williams, CEO, Lookout Group of Nonprofits.
“It offers residents a chance to grow their own food, care for something together and feel a sense of calm and purpose each day. For people rebuilding their lives, this shared space supports health, connection and dignity, helping turn a place to live into a place to belong,” said Williams.
Lookout Society operates housing, health and community programs across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and other complex challenges. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communities across B.C., with Campbell River serving as a local example of that impact in action.
Working with the City:
“Projects like this show how strong partnerships can create meaningful impact in our community,” said Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl.
“The Homewood supportive housing initiative is an important part of the City’s ongoing work with community partners to provide safe, supportive spaces for residents,” he said on Wednesday.
“Additions like this new garden create opportunities for connection, wellness and a sense of belonging, helping to strengthen the community today and into the future. We are grateful to FortisBC and Lookout Housing and Health Society for their collaboration,” said Mayor Dahl.
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NEWS SECTIONS: HOUSING | FAMILY & SOCIETY | FORTIS BC | URBAN FOOD RESILIENCE
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