GROW Community Greenhouses & Gardens
Since 2007, AWARE has been running the GROW Community Greenhouse and Gardens Program, where locally grown food is made possible and sustainability thrives.
The Issues We Face
Being a resort municipality does not make Whistler immune to the plight of food insecurity and social isolation that plagues many communities across the country. The urgent challenge of climate change is just as much a social issue as it is an environmental issue.
Evidence indicates that climate change impacts disproportionately affect low-income, immigrant, elderly, and disabled communities, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
Our Step Toward Change
The GROW Community Greenhouse & Gardens program empowers local residents to take climate action by growing their own food, promoting sustainability and reducing GHG emissions. Through local organic growing practices we reduce food miles, waste and industrial agriculture impacts. The program supports local food security by growing high-demand, nutrient dense produce for the local food bank. It also aims to increase social inclusion and community engagement by offering educational workshops and community events accessible to all within the community, regardless of background or ability.
We recognize we can’t do this alone and are in active collaboration with local organizations and government, where we’re creating spaces for community action.
Impact & Success Stories
We’re focused on cutting carbon emissions from the food we grow, and we’re tracking our progress. Each year, we’ll aim to produce more local food than the last.
GROWing Progress: The EpicPromise Team’s Contribution
Discover how Whistler Blackcomb employees helped at the Cheakamus Community Gardens as part of Epic Promise Day.
Young Voices, Big Impact 2025: Reflection, Learning & Lasting Change
Young Voices, Big Impact Committee 2025: Reflection, Learning & Lasting Change. Discover what the youth in Whistler have been contributing to through volunteering with us at AWARE as part of Young Voices, Big Impact Committee.
AWARE donates nearly 550 pounds of produce to Whistler Food Bank
The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE) recently delivered 548 pounds of fresh produce to the Whistler Food Bank. Said food was locally grown across 14 dedicated garden plots, read on to…
What You Can Do
- Register for GROW: Rent a GROW garden box and start growing fresh, local food.
- Join a Workshop or Event | Learn new gardening skills and connect with others in a hands-on, fun way.
- Become an AWARE Member and receive perks at all of our events.
- Sign Up for Volunteer Opportunities
- Partner Up | If you’re part of a local organization or business, let’s see how we can collaborate to create a greater impact.
- Find us featured on KAYAK Whistler Travel Guide
