In support of the company’s commitment to the Canon Environmental Charter, Canon Canada is excited to announce its new partnership with MicroHabitat Urban Farming.

The Montreal-based company brings urban farming solutions to schools and corporations across Canada, with the mission to build a healthier society and world by reconnecting people with nature and their food. With over 250 urban farms in seven cities across Canada, MicroHabitat works to cultivate change by providing urban farming programs and a complete range of support from installation to year-round maintenance.

On June 5, Canon Canada’s first urban farm was installed at Gadbois Alternative School in Montreal, which has a division for deaf students and an alternative division. Eleven employees from Canon Canada’s office in St. Laurent, Que., assisted with the planting.

“It was a wonderful event. We prepped the gardens so the children could get their hands in the earth, planting the flowers and herbs,” says Karen Zacard. “They were very excited and proud of their work. These are feel-good moments to witness. The [MicroHabitat] team was extremely knowledgeable and friendly and provided the Canon staff with some good pointers on how to improve our own gardens.”

Frédéric Savoie-Venne also expressed excitement to be involved, “It was rewarding to pass on my passion for gardening to the children at school,” he says. “You can see the direct impact Canon can have in the community.”

The one-year partnership will provide the Gadbois Alternative School with weekly maintenance and harvesting completed by MicroHabitat staff, with a projected 300 pounds of crops per season. Harvested fruits and vegetables will be used in the school’s cafeteria, distributed to students and staff, or donated to those in need. The farm will also be 100 percent chemical-free and pollinator friendly.