Traditional Territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (Prince George).
Led by the University of Northern BC (UNBC) Sustainability Office and the Prince George Urban Farmscape Society, this initiative established the Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator position to support the Empower North Greenhouse project at UNBC and the PG Urban Farmscape project. The focus of this position was to strengthen partnerships, develop robust governance structures, engage the community, and ensure the long-term sustainability of these projects, which aim to improve food security and promote sustainable food systems in northern BC.
Story of Impact
The story below was shared by this initiative as their Most Significant Transformation Story, submitted as part of their final report. It reflects the perspectives and experiences of individuals involved in each initiative.
The most significant transformation emerging from this initiative has been the strengthening of relationships between the university and community organizations engaged in local food systems work. Through his role as the Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator, funded by the program, Jo Winkle helped bridge a long‑standing gap between academic institutions and community networks, fostering a new culture of collaboration, shared learning, and mutual respect. The position created a pathway for aligning university capacity with community priorities, addressing a perception of isolation and enabling meaningful co‑development of projects.
A tangible outcome of this relationship-building has been the shift in direction for the Urban Farmscape project. Originally focused on independently raising funds to purchase land, the project evolved through a partnership with PHABC, which is now supporting efforts to secure the land. This shift transformed the group’s focus from overcoming financial barriers toward envisioning their long‑term community role, organizational identity, and governance structure—changes symbolized by their recent constitution amendments. These developments brought renewed energy, optimism, and shared ownership among members who have pursued this goal for several years.
At the same time, involvement with the university greenhouse project revealed the complexity of institutional environments and the value of slower, more reflective progress. By engaging with peers at the Northern Harvest Food Summit, Jo gained practical insights into Northern greenhouse models, informing future planning.
On a personal level, Jo described a profound transformation in perspective and purpose—building a deeper understanding of the interconnected nature of food systems, climate challenges, and community resilience in Northern BC. The role not only clarified his career aspirations in sustainable food systems but also rooted him more deeply in the community networks that sustain this work.
Project Poster
All posters are downloadable in print format. Original posters were designed at 3ft by 4ft; as such, we advise you to print at a similar ratio to ensure text and images are as accessible as possible.
Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator: The Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator position was created to support the Empower North…
Interactive Map
Use the interactive map below to see who we funded across the north.
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