In 2018, Clear Course was retained by Líl̓wat Nation to provide project development and grant writing services to support the construction of a 20-acre market garden. The vision was for Líl̓wat people to feed Líl̓wat people. Clear Course worked with the community to clarify the goals and priorities of the project and to create a three-year road map on how to get there. Clear Course identified funding opportunities that aligned with the project’s goals and with Líl̓wat Nation’s agricultural and strategic plans. In 2018, the Nation was awarded seed funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program; they received additional funding from the BC Rural Dividend Program in 2019. In 2020 they started construction of the garden, which is now named, Qwal̓ímak Nlepcálten (Mosquito Garden).
Qwal̓ímak Nlepcálten supports food security, training opportunities, and education programs such as growing and preserving food. The garden grows an array of vegetables using organic and sustainable agricultural practices; a farm manager oversees implementation and operations with a team of six staff.
You can find Qwal̓ímak Nlepcálten on Facebook and in-person at the Whistler Farmer’s Market.