The "Healthy Eating Active Living Champion" Award was presented to Michael Oster on behalf of the Brewer Park Community Garden for their support in the development of a Biodome Garden, showing it is possible to extend the growing season while highlighting issues related to healthy eating and secure natural food production.
Councillor Diane Holmes, Chair of the Board of Health, welcomed over 130 residents to the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Innovation Forum on June 18th at the Ron Kolbus-Lakeside Gardens Centre.
“Improving healthy eating and active living in Ottawa – through improved active transportation, better access to healthy foods and more supportive environments to help make the healthy choice the easy choice – has been a significant priority for the Board of Health over the course of our term.,” said Councillor Holmes. “By bringing together various levels of government, grassroots initiatives and residents, we are setting the stage for real changes to make Ottawa a healthier city.”
Michael Oster, Biodome Garden Project Lead, is grateful for this award and to be included in the very impressive group of HEAL Champions.
"We appreciate support for the Biodome Garden project from Councillor David Chernushenko and the City of Ottawa’s Better Neighbourhoods program.," said Michael. "Dr. Isra Levy, City of Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, recommended to the Ottawa Board of Health in his November 19, 2012 report that “the Board of Health for the City of Ottawa Health Unit approve programming to enhance access to healthy foods, including new initiatives”. The Biodome Garden at Brewer Park, planned for construction later this year, aligns with the initiative of Ottawa Public Health."
Brewer Park Community Garden President Danielle Cantin on behalf of Garden members congratulates Michael Oster and his Biodome Garden team for winning the award and bringing this honour to the organization.
"We are proud of the work that Michael and his team are doing in developing and bringing to fruition this innovative way of growing food in our city."