Nathan’s Urban Farm: Living Legacy and Green Innovation in London, ON

When Mona Lam-Deslippe first started growing vegetables in tower gardens, she kicked off the operation right in her downtown London condo. These hydroponic systems, which glow like futuristic spaceships, initially raised some eyebrows among her neighbors who were curious about the neon lights. Once they discovered she was cultivating produce rather than anything illicit, the curiosity turned to admiration.

Lam-Deslippe and her husband, Tim, didn’t stop at just growing greens like lettuce, arugula, and edible flowers. They went the extra mile by donating the fresh produce to local organizations such as the London Food Bank, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, and Anova. The project was appropriately named Nathan’s Urban Farm, in honor of their son Nathan Deslippe, who tragically lost his life in 2016.

Nathan’s Urban Farm took a significant leap forward by moving to its new home at The Grove, an agri-business hub located within the Western Fair District. The farm, which owes its existence to funding from the London Community Foundation and Medavie Health Foundation, is managed by Hutton House. This local charity specializes in offering life skills and employment training for people with disabilities. Their involvement with Nathan’s Urban Farm includes providing valuable agriculture skills training and horticultural therapy.

What's really exciting is the innovation behind the farm. The indoor growing operation is completely pesticide-free and uses a fraction of the water required for traditional farming methods. Plus, it produces fresh greens all year round. Joe Gansevles, Hutton House’s coordinator of urban agriculture and environmental sustainability, emphasized that growing vegetables indoors is not only sustainable but also helps address food insecurity. The farm's produce is even distributed via bicycles, reducing the carbon footprint even further!

The Nathan T. Deslippe Memorial Fund, which sustains the farm, was established after Nathan’s untimely death. His family and friends have banded together to keep his memory alive and his vision inspiring. Through community events and fundraisers, the legacy continues strong. Mona Lam-Deslippe voiced her desire to see more urban farms sprout in other communities, recognizing the impact such initiatives can have on local food security and community solidarity.

For those inspired by the story and eager to contribute, Urban Roots London relies heavily on volunteers. Whether it’s preparing vegetable beds, planting beets, or weeding, volunteers play a crucial role in keeping the operation running smoothly. Regular drop-in volunteer sessions are held from May to October. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their gardening tools and come ready to get their hands dirty.

So, the next time you’re in the Western Fair District, check out Nathan’s Urban Farm. It's not just a site of innovation but a tribute to a legacy that keeps giving back to the community. 🌱