sudbury's flour mill community farm marks 10th season with expansion project
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project coordinator destiny roy, left, of rethink green, and farm to table intern aminat lawal inspect produce at the flour mill community farm in sudbury, ont. on thursday august 13, 2026.
john lappa
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sudbury star
the flour mill community farm is marking its 10th season with an expansion aimed at increasing local youth employment, food production and community programming.
the project will double the farm’s cultivated growing space, add new agricultural infrastructure, introduce a food preservation program and create more paid employment opportunities for youth.
it will also expand programming capacity, allowing for more workshops, educational tours, volunteer opportunities and community events. the farm is located beside ryan heights playground at 736 bruce ave.
christopher deschaines inspects a crop at the flour mill community farm in sudbury, ont. on thursday august 13, 2026. the farm is marking its 10th season with an expansion project to increase local youth employment, food production, and community programming. john lappa/sudbury star/postmedia network
john lappa
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john lappa/sudbury star
each year, youth at the farm grow fresh, ecologically raised produce that is sold to nearby residents through weekly markets at pay-what-you-can prices.
“these infrastructure investments are helping us build a stronger and more accessible farm for the future,” destiny roy, program coordinator for the flour mill community farm, said in a release. “as we celebrate 10 years of community impact, we’re excited to continue growing opportunities for education, food access, and environmental stewardship.
“this farm has always been about more than growing food. it is about growing skills, confidence, and community connections.”
the expansion is being supported by the government of canada’s local food infrastructure fund, the ontario government’s rural ontario development program and the city of greater sudbury’s community economic development fund.
officials did not disclose the cost of the project.
volunteer myla mcsherry-whitman prepares a planting bed at the flour mill community farm in sudbury, ont. on wednesday june 4, 2025. the preparation is part of educational work-bee days that allows people to get a hands-in-dirt feel for urban farming. the farm is operated by rethink green. john lappa/sudbury star/postmedia network
john lappa
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john lappa/sudbury star
corporate supporters include platinum sponsor desjardins ontario credit union; gold sponsors normet canada and slr consulting canada; silver sponsors sudbury credit union, northern credit union, ontario power generation and devla properties; and bronze sponsors co-operators insurance and baker tilly.
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rethink green will celebrate the farm’s supporters and community with an open house aug. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. visitors can tour the farm, learn more about the expansion and meet community members and supporters involved in the project.
“through expanded programming, the rethink green project will support youth in developing valuable skills, create new opportunities for participation in the local economy, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of rural communities,” said lisa thompson, ontario’s minister of rural affairs.
sudbury mpp viviane lapointe said initiatives like the flour mill community farm “are essential to building strong, sustainable, and resilient communities. “this community farm is truly at the heart of the flour mill neighbourhood, serving seniors, young families, students, and many others.”
since opening in 2017, the flour mill community farm has grown into one of greater sudbury’s leading urban agriculture initiatives. each growing season, it produces fresh food, employs local youth and connects residents with sustainable food systems through workshops, volunteer opportunities and community events.
businesses, organizations and residents can support the farm through sponsorships, green collar day team-building experiences, volunteer work, donations or by helping share its story. more information is available through the flour mill community farm website and rethink green’s social media channels.
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rethink green is northeastern ontario’s champion for environmental action. based in greater sudbury, it provides programs and events. rethink green connects people, ideas, and resources to help create more sustainable communities. to learn more about rethink green, visit www.rethinkgreen.ca.
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