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While the Bruce Botanical Good Gardens in Ripley did not receive funding through the Aviva Community Fund, the project is still forging ahead.

Project developer Lynne Taylor said the gardens finished in the top 10 per cent of all projects across Canada but did not garner enough votes to make the semi-finals.

"However, the competition did allow us to get the message out that this project is happening," she said. "We can't  thank the people of Bruce County enough for their continual support since the competition began in October."

She noted that people from many other communities, including those in adjacent counties, northern Ontario, and Alberta were voting for the project and the support they showed will be taken forward to other funding agencies to demonstrate the support for the project.

"We want to take the opportunity to thank everyone very much," said Taylor. "We also give special thanks to Bruce McDonald of CMR Insurance in Mildmay and Miller Insurance in Kincardine for providing broker sponsorship throughout the competition."

Taylor's partner on the project, Heather Pletsch, said that if people believe in the gardens and want to and want to help turn them into a successful reality, an account with "Fund Raise in Days" has been set up, and donations can be made conveniently on-line.

"We don't have charitable status at this time, so we cannot provide receipts," said Pletch, "but donors will be recognized on a donor board which will be located prominently on the site."

The application will soon be completed and submitted for the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens to be incorporated as as a non-profit agency, said Taylor.

Taylor will fill the position of president of the board. Chef Anthony Bevan, co-ordinator of Culinary Programs at Georgian College, will take the role of vice-president, and Janice Thomson of Port Elgin will undertake the responsibilities of secretary-treasurer. Pletsch continues as the grant researcher/writer and community project facilitator for the gardens. Construction of the first phase is planned for May of 2012. The gardens are located at the east end of Park Street in Ripley.

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Saturday, December 24, 2011