Located just outside of the south perimeter, Almost Urban Vegetables is now a 70-member CSA that has grown to feed over four times the number of people Marilyn and Bruce sold to when they started selling shares back in 2009. From the beginning, the couple has welcomed helpers and interns, sharing their own knowledge and farming lessons with those who want to learn more. They also raise laying hens and pastured poultry, the latter of which are fertilizing their back fields to prep them for future plantings a long-term plan already in action!
In the spring of 2006, Marilyn, Bruce, and their three sons sold their home in Kitchener, Ontario, put their favourite possessions in storage, and started a five month adventure in learning. The goal was to give the family a chance to see and learn about their own country, while developing skills and knowledge related to organic growing. The trip started with a two-week permaculture course for Marilyn, followed by an extended WWOOFing experience. This was the beginning of the next chapter of their life a fresh start with the ultimate goal of finding a home where they could grow food for their family, feel connected to a community, and turn it all into a livelihood. The family worked with and visited nearly 30 farms across Western Canada throughout a six-month period, before choosing to settle in Manitoba.