NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE COMMON ROOF
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Thanks to a $6,000 grant from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) a new native pollinator garden, Monarch Waystation, and accessible walkway will be built at the entrance of the Barrie Common Roof (BCR).
The garden project, called A Home for Our Hardworking Pollinators, replaces existing non-native and invasive plants, with native species that support pollinators.
“This is a unique opportunity to re-imagine and share our common space with our community. Our goal is to empower residents to learn about the importance of pollinators and native plants and work together to create positive change in our community,” says James Thomson, President and CEO of The Common Roof. “We are truly grateful for the support of TD FEF for enabling us to do this important work.”
A Home for Our Hardworking Pollinators landscaping is being supported by Monarch Custom Landscapes and is a collaboration between The Common Roof and Ashley Hammell, Co-Founder of Pollinate Barrie as well as Kate Harries, a local environmental activist and owner of Return of the Native. They are providing expertise on native plant choices and placement for this garden project and supporting future educational workshops at the Barrie Common Roof location.
“Any improvement in habitat here is a cause for celebration, but I’m especially excited to be able to plant a native garden at such an important community hub,” says Hammell. “Kids, parents, and members of the community are going to have the chance to watch the pollinators and plants that have lived here for hundreds of years co-exist and support each other to thrive, the same way these organizations under The Common Roof support the community to thrive. And the garden is being installed in a place that previously hosted invasive species! It’s such an amazing opportunity.”
The Common Roof is a not-for-profit social enterprise with locations in Barrie, Collingwood and Orillia. The organization leads in the development and empowerment of strong, compassionate social communities through innovative shared space and services. By leveraging strong, collaborative community partnerships, The Common Roof works to mobilize support to address identified local community needs.
To learn more, donate, or get involved visit www.thecommonroof.ca.
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