Abbey Gardens: Community Centric Sustainability 

Abbey Gardens in Haliburton County is a thriving social enterprise and community hub. They have transformed an old gravel pit into a vibrant green space, offering attractions like a food hub, community garden, retail store, and more. By repurposing unused spaces and materials, Abbey Gardens embodies sustainability and aligns with SDGs 11, 12, and 17 through their work in developing community oriented educational programming, reducing waste and sourcing locally grown produce as well as actively engaging in partnerships. 

Unlike traditional non-profits, Abbey Gardens generate revenue from multiple sources, allowing them to consistently provide services and support to the community. Their emphasis on circularity and a system-level approach fosters sustainable practices and supports the local economy. With the help of a $20,000 grant from COIL and a $10,000 loan from Harvest Impact, Abbey Gardens was able to further advance their sustainable community development initiatives.