The Farm at RRU’s land-based learning grows with TD Bank Group support
Royal Roads University is expanding land-based learning activities offered at The Farm at Royal Roads, through the generous financial support from TD Bank Group(TD).
The $250,000 donation from TD will have a significant, positive impact on climate action that supports increased environmental literacy and ecological stewardship in our communities.
“As Canada’s University for Changemakers, we believe our most significant contribution to the climate crisis will be realized through transformative education. TD’s donation gives us the opportunity to expand our outdoor classroom curriculum,” says President and Vice-Chancellor of Royal Roads University, Philip Steenkamp. “Their support helps ensure accessible Farm-based learning and engagement opportunities to encourage food sovereignty and sustainability in our community.”
The Farm at Royal Roads currently offers a variety of nature-centered experiential learning opportunities to the RRU community and area residents of all ages. Programs will be enhanced and expanded with the funds from TD. New educational planning will identify diverse opportunities for land-based learning through workshops, seminars, Royal Roads undergraduate and graduate programs, continuing education, micro-credentials and educational partnerships. The Royal Roads Indigenous Education Team and The Farm at Royal Roads Guiding Committee will design and develop the new offerings by engaging with community and Indigenous knowledge keepers to inform future programming.
"Enriching lives is at the core of our purpose and that includes supporting communities in having access to quality public green spaces. That's why we're proud to support Royal Roads University and its goal to grow and enhance The Farm at Royal Roads while nurturing environmental stewardship, education and community connection,” says Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group, Joshua Cayer.
TD funding will also support the expansion of research conducted on site by students, faculty and partners. Projects will pursue the discovery of climate change solutions and mitigation strategies, explore the impact of biodiversity loss and pollution, and expand regenerative agriculture, food sovereignty and ecological stewardship practices.
TD has been supporting The Farm at RRU since 2023. This latest grant expands their philanthropy by supporting programming for the local community to visit the farm and learn about its operation through participatory activities. Their cumulative giving total to The Farm at RRU equals $446,000.
The Farm at Royal Roads, a reimagining of the former 5.26 acre walled Edwardian kitchen garden situated near Hatley Castle, features a variety of growing spaces including: an Indigenous Medicine Garden, a Giving Garden, a Market Garden and a Polyculture Orchard. The no-dig produce beds with more than 90 different plant species yielded 3,175 kilograms (7,000 pounds) of produce in the 2024-2025 growing season which was donated to community members and partners, including the Songhees Wellness Centre, the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group’s Good Food Box Program, and Habitat Café - RRU’s on-campus food provider.