Farm the City
Farm the City
Grow food.
Strengthen community.
Access City-owned land to create gardens and urban agriculture projects.
What is Farm the City?
Farm the City is a City of Calgary program that supports community-driven urban agriculture. It gives community groups, non-profits, schools, and social organizations access to vacant City-owned land to grow food.
The program’s vision is to:
- Improve food access and food security.
- Create more inclusive, connected neighbourhoods.
- Turn underused land into community assets.
- Advance Calgary’s sustainability and resilience goals.
Farm the City is a core part of Calgary’s Food Resilience Strategy, which aims to ensure every Calgarian has reliable access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food.
Why apply?
|
|
Support local food access and food security. |
|
|
Bring neighbours together through gardening, sharing, and learning. |
|
|
Activate vacant City land for positive community use. |
|
|
Contribute to Calgary’s climate and resilience goals. |
Ready to grow?
Turn vacant land into a community asset.
If you have questions about eligibility, timelines, or applications, email us at food@calgary.ca.
Program details
Who can apply?
- Community groups and non-profits
- Schools and community associations
- Organizations working in partnership with local growers
What types of projects supported?
- Community gardens and raised garden beds
- Urban farms producing food for donation or sale
- School or youth-based food education gardens
- Supporting infrastructure such as soil preparation, irrigation, or fencing
Current Farm the City projects
Highfield Regenerative Farm
Developed in 2017
Located in the Highfield-Manchester Industrial area, Highfield Farm was the first urban agriculture project on vacant land owned by The City. This pilot project helped us learn, develop and test tools to better support urban farming and food production.
The City of Calgary developed the Highfield Farm Urban Agriculture Pilot Project to work with a community partner in the exploration and development of key deliverables to increase future opportunities for successful urban farm development and contribute to the goals of the CalgaryEATS! Food Action Plan.
Outcomes of the pilot project include:
- Land Use Bylaw amendments to enable urban agriculture activities across the city;
- Increase urban agriculture activities through short-term leases on vacant City-owned land;
- A Leasing Process for urban farms on vacant City-owned land;
- Urban Agriculture Guidelines;
- Approvals and Regulation Information.
Auburn Bay Community Farm
2019-2022
The Auburn Bay Community Farm (now closed) was a project developed on City-owned vacant land. This land is being held for a future Greenline Park and Ride. Maintained by neighbourhood residents and Hands On Growing, an education-based organization that helps communities grow local food, this unique mobile urban farm model operated for two years before moving to a new location.
Land of Dreams
Developed in 2017
The Land of Dreams is an urban farming initiative on Treaty 7 territory in Southeast Calgary. Inspired by the wisdom of the Blackfoot community, this project aims to create a healing and restorative community space where newcomers to Canada can grow, learn, and thrive together. The farm offers refugees a safe space to connect with the Indigenous community. This supports their healing processes, educating them about the land’s history, and reconnecting them with their skills in farming brought here from their home countries.
Vacant Lots Farm Club
Developed in 2024
Vacant Lots Farm Club is a Calgary based nonprofit that converts unused urban land into therapeutic growing spaces full of food and flowers. They engage in a variety of seasonal activities designed to nurture a relationship with nature. Membership is free and members get rewards for helping us turn empty spaces into abundant ecosystems.
This new urban farm project is located in NE Calgary.
Timelines
|
|
Application intakes are seasonal. |
|---|---|
|
|
Allow time for site assessments, soil testing, and any required permits. |
|
|
Projects typically begin after approval and site preparation. |
How to apply
- Review program details and eligibility criteria.
- Prepare your project description, site plan, budget, and community support information.
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- For questions, contact food@calgary.ca.
Frequently asked questions
What land is available for Farm the City projects?
Vacant City-owned land that is suitable for gardening and food production. Availability depends on site condition and location.
Do projects need permits?
Some projects may require permits for water access, fencing, or structures. The program team will help guide you.
Is funding available?
Support may be available for site improvements such as soil, water, or fencing. Funding details vary based on the City’s budget cycle.
How long is the review process?
Applications are reviewed within several weeks. Timelines depend on site suitability, City coordination, and permitting.