Community-led initiative to support local food production, training, and entrepreneurship
Snaw-Naw-As First Nation, BC – Snaw-Naw-As First Nation, through Nanoose Economic Development Master Limited Partnership, has purchased a 13.5-acre property to establish a community-led food security and farm hub that will serve as a long-term asset for the Nation and region.
The project will transform the site into a working demonstration and training farm integrating greenhouse and field production, orchard agriculture, food processing, and eco-tourism. Once established, the hub will support local food production, skills training, and entrepreneurship, positioning Snaw-Naw-As as a regional leader in Indigenous food security and agritourism.
“By investing in this project, Snaw-Naw-As is creating lasting community assets that strengthen economic self-reliance and attract further investment to our region,” said Nanoose Economic Development CEO Kim Burden. “To see the level of community support we’re receiving for a project that is so forward-thinking and yet so grounded in traditional knowledge, it’s truly inspiring.”
Core infrastructure will include a greenhouse, farm and orchard areas, and a cold storage and processing facility, alongside accessible washrooms, upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, and a renovated farm stay to support training programs and tourism.
Together, these investments will create a culturally safe, educational hub that blends modern agricultural practices with traditional Coast Salish foodways. The initiative is expected to generate seasonal employment, training, and entrepreneurial opportunities and will serve as a replicable model for other First Nations seeking to develop climate-resilient, community-based food systems.
“Now more than ever, food security and food sovereignty are so important for our communities,” said George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville. “This project by Snaw-Naw-As First Nation shows what’s possible when community leadership, traditional knowledge, and sustainable innovation come together, and I know this initiative will benefit the entire mid‑Island region.”
Once complete, the project is projected to result in the establishment of three new businesses and one social enterprise, along with the expansion of two existing businesses. This growth is expected to create three new permanent full-time jobs, two new part-time jobs, and three seasonal jobs. The hub will also offer volunteer opportunities to support community programming and events.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is partnering on the project through a $200,000 investment from its Capital and Innovation funding program, under its Food Security and Agrifood priority.
“Partnering with Snaw-Naw-As on this initiative reflects a shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient regional food supply chains,” said Trust CEO Brodie Guy. “Its focus on sustainable and regenerative agriculture will bring long-term benefits to everyone in the Lantzville and Nanaimo area, while also modeling approaches that other coastal communities can learn from as they work toward strengthening food security while diversifying local economies.”
Development of the Farm Hub is expected to start in March.
For more information visit: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/project/capital-innovation-program/snaw-naw-as-food-security-farm-hub/
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About Island Coastal Economic Trust
Island Coastal Economic Trust is the regional development organization founded by the Province of British Columbia under the North Island-Coast Development Initiative Trust Act to serve Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast. We partner with First Nations, local governments, businesses, and non-profits to drive prosperity and diversify the coastal economy through strategic economic investments. Over $401 million in direct new investment has been attracted to coastal B.C. through our partnerships since 2006. We believe that meaningful and lasting change is best achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships that unite people, communities, sectors, and resources. As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda’xw, Pəntl’áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
The Trust’s mandate has been to support economic diversification and growth across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution (see Our Region). Serving more than half a million residents, the Trust partners with communities in the development and financing of their economic infrastructure and diversification efforts through a unique structure that is led by and accountable to communities.
Media Contacts:
Kyle Wells
Manager, Communications and Impact
Island Coastal Economic Trust
kyle@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Kim Burden
CEO
Nanoose Economic Development
ceo@nanoose-edc.com
250-951-6420
