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BRAMPTON, ON (May 24, 2022) – Today, the City of Brampton unveiled the Brampton Grows Off-Grid Shed, its first organic, self-sustaining, regenerative food system that will produce food for many families in Brampton.

The Brampton Grows Off-Grid Shed is located at, and will be supported by Brampton Parks and Brampton Fire Station 212, beginning this summer. The shed is provided by Nature Harmony and is a zero-energy greenhouse structure that will grow produce from the food shed and be donated to Regeneration Outreach Community to feed families in Brampton as part of the Backyard Garden Program.

This innovative technology contains its own ecosystem, using a combination of soil-based growing, hydroponics, and aquaponics systems to grow edible organic fruits and vegetables, and even edible fish. The shed is zero-waste and carbon negative, powered by solar renewable energy, and it is built to withstand harsh winters. The sustainable indoor farm provides an interactive educational experience for attendees of all ages to explore various features the shed has to offer.

The Brampton Grows Off-Grid Shed advances the goals of the Brampton Grow Green Environmental Master Plan, which cites urban agriculture as an opportunity for the City.

Quotes
“Brampton City Council approved the Brampton Grows Off-Grid Shed in May 2021. As a Green City, we are proud to establish new models of sustainability in Brampton, and look forward to supporting the organic food shed. Thank you to our partners at Nature Harmony.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“A milestone in urban agriculture, the Brampton Grows Off-Grid Shed generates its own energy, maintains a zero-waste system, harvests rainwater, and even captures carbon and releases fresh oxygen. We are excited to lead the way to a more sustainable future for our community.” 
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“The Brampton Grows Off-Grid Shed is an innovative initiative that will support those in need in Brampton. We will donate the produce from the food shed to Regeneration Outreach Community to feed families in Brampton as part of the Backyard Garden Program.”
- Doug Whillans, City Councillor Wards 2 & 6; Chair, Backyard Garden Program, City of Brampton

“The City is committed to creating food security and environmental sustainability in Brampton. Our staff at the fire station will be trained to support the Brampton Grows Off-Grid Shed.”
- Paul Morrison, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton