Photo: Green Lake Food Security Announcement
Leaders in Green Lake say a new community food initiative will help improve local food security while creating opportunities for residents to grow more food closer to home.
The announcement was made during a community gathering attended by Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger, municipal leaders and residents.
Speakers highlighted a new greenhouse project and plans for expanded community food production in the northern village.
Mayor Jim McKenzie said Green Lake has a long history of local food production, recalling a time when many households maintained gardens and livestock. He said community leaders hope to revive that tradition and build on it for future generations.
“Proud of its past but planning for its future” remains an important vision for Green Lake, McKenzie said, noting the community’s role as a transportation hub for northern Saskatchewan.
Belanger used the event to highlight Canada’s first National Food Security Strategy, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on June 11. He said the strategy includes a $3.2-billion investment over 10 years aimed at strengthening food self-sufficiency and improving access to affordable, nutritious food for Canadians.
According to Belanger, the strategy includes investments in food infrastructure, local food hubs, food processing, greenhouse development and support for future generations of farmers.
He said communities in northern Saskatchewan stand to benefit from increased support for locally grown and locally processed food.
Buckley Belanger in Green Lake 2026
“In communities across northern Saskatchewan, food security is not just some policy discussion. It’s real life,” Belanger told those gathered.
He said the strategy includes $1 billion for food infrastructure projects such as local food hubs, $750 million for greenhouses and other technologies that support year-round food production, and additional investments to expand food processing and support local food organizations.
Belanger also encouraged Green Lake residents to build on existing agricultural opportunities and take advantage of available funding programs.
Deputy Mayor Garvin LaFont said the community’s Food Security Initiative Program will provide locally grown vegetables for residents while creating opportunities for volunteers to take part in greenhouse operations and community gardening.
LaFont said the greenhouses will grow vegetables including carrots, lettuce and radishes, while community garden space will be used to produce potatoes for distribution within the community.
He added the project could provide more than just food production, offering residents a place to gather and participate in activities that support mental wellness.
Community leaders said they are looking for ideas and participation from residents as the project develops. They hope the initiative will help strengthen food sovereignty, encourage youth involvement and support future economic development opportunities in Green Lake.
Belanger said Green Lake’s location, agricultural land base and history of farming position it well to become a regional food-production centre serving northern Saskatchewan.
Buckley Belanger in Green Lake 2026