Urban farm proposed for derelict Halifax school

An urban farm could take the place of Halifax's former Queen Elizabeth High School, when demolition is complete next spring.

The school site will eventually be developed by the Capital District Health Authority. It is next door to the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre.But in the meantime the health authority wants to use the space for growing produce.

"That's the idea we're excited about right now. We think a good portion of it could be turned into a garden and be used to demonstrate gardening techniques and raise some healthy food," said John Gillis, a spokesperson for the health authority.

The long-term future for the two-hectare site is still undecided. The school has been closed since 2007, when it merged with nearby St. Patrick's to form Citadel High School.

The property is now owned by the province and will be transferred to Capital Health after the demolition is complete.

Gillis said the health authority plans to speak with local neighbours before it makes any final decisions.

"We don't want to see it be just grassland with a fence around it. We'd like it to be a place that's usable by the community and good-looking and can contribute to the area."

Gillis said if the urban farm proceeds, it would not be run as a for-profit enterprise.

Local councillor Dawn Sloane said she supports the plan.

"We talk about buying local, how about being local? I think it's great. The building is a mess. It's been seen as a place where there has been some squatting. And it's dangerous."

Local residents say they like the idea as well.

"It would be good for an area of town like this where a lot of people are living in apartment buildings and don't have their own gardens," said Brad Hinchey.

Another resident, Rachel Sunter, said she knows many people who would be interested in getting involved in an urban farm. "And we wouldn't be looking for money. I know a lot of people who would be willing to help out to make something like that and to keep it going."

Gillis said any food that is harvested would not be served in the hospital.

"Whatever we grow could be shared with food banks or used in another constructive way."