CRAY@Downsview

CRAY@Downsview (Compost Research Array at Downsview Park Farm) is an experimental microfarm and permaculture space being developed by Crooked Farmz, now entering its third season.

It is part of a broader peer-led urban agriculture partnership along with Zawadi Farm, Ubuntu Farm, SARN Farms, Homestead T.O., YMCA of Toronto, and Fresh City Farms on 10 acres in the southwest corner of Downsview Park.

Our work together as this diverse collection of partner farmers — from market gardeners to urban agriculture educators — offers a strong sense of collective identity, knowledge sharing, and positive networking. Crooked Farmz offers to this collective a community-oriented space for teaching and experimentation with composting and natural farming techniques.

The 2,500 sq.ft CRAY@Downsview space includes four thematic areas:

There is an important peer-learning component involved with each community workshop session, which might involve vegetable growing, urban farming techniques, composting, and more. Surplus produce harvested during the season is donated as part of our Farm Fractionz program.

Come work with us!

To support our work at CRAY@Downsview this season we are offering regular volunteer and paid in-kind opportunities at Downsview throughout the 2024 season. Beginning April 2 we will have weekly blocks for either volunteering on a drop-in basis or attending a formal workshop: Mondays (10am-2pm) and Thursdays (10am-2pm). These would be of particular appeal to anyone interested in gardening, natural farming, ecology, working outdoors, and supporting community.

Interested individuals do not need to commit for the entire summer, but we are certainly interested in those who are piqued by the opportunity and are willing to attend at least on a semi-regular basis throughout the season. We can accommodate up to 10-12 individuals per session.