Squamish Climate Action Network

Squamish CAN exemplifies environmental leadership through a range of impactful programs that reduce waste, promote sustainable food systems, and build community resilience. Our community gardens and school farm projects, including the Downtown School Farm and four other school gardens, actively engage residents and students in sustainable agriculture. These programs align with the BC curriculum and emphasize seed-to-seed learning, giving students hands-on experience with gardening, farming, and food systems while fostering life skills and environmental stewardship.

Squamish CAN's most ambitious project, the Sea-to-Sky Farm and Food Hub, addresses regional food infrastructure challenges by creating shared cold storage, commercial kitchens, and centralized food distribution systems. These resources support local farmers and producers, reduce food waste, and build the foundations of a circular economy in the region. By fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders such as the District of Squamish and the Squamish Food Policy Council, this hub strengthens the local food network and creates new opportunities for sustainable business growth.

In partnership with the Squamish Food Policy Council, Squamish CAN has also made significant strides in waste reduction. Their zero-waste markets, community composting initiatives, and public education campaigns have tangibly reduced environmental impact and increased local engagement in sustainable practices. These efforts align with municipal waste diversion goals and empower residents to contribute to climate action.

Furthermore, Squamish CAN provides school garden education for six schools from K-12 throughout the academic year. These programs allow students to grow their own food while learning about sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental responsibility. The organization's long-term commitment to educating future generations demonstrates its leadership in driving lasting behavioral change toward sustainability. We are activley supporting other communities across BC with our models of community farming and the Downtown School Farm.

We help provide active ways for our community to contribute to climate action.

Through collaboration with government, schools, farmers, and community organizations, Squamish CAN has become a provincial leader in environmental action. Our work not only supports local infrastructure development but also engages citizens in meaningful ways that foster climate resilience. Squamish CAN's impact is seen not only in the infrastructure they build but also in the values they instill in the community, making them a prime candidate for this environmental impact award.