Cline Agri-Health Centre

In November 2018, Growing Opportunities was given the opportunity to cultivate land on a property recently purchased by Dr. John Cline and his wife Joy. The 47-acre parcel was one of the oldest farms in Nanaimo, first established in 1864 as the Westwood Dairy farm. 

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The farm is currently home to VI Blueberries, Glassen Farms and Growing Opportunities.

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Produce is grown primarily by people with challenges and disabilities for Nanaimo Foodshare’s Good Food Box Program, and sold directly to the public through local farmers’ markets.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, many community organizations adapted to farm-based programming for the safe outdoor learning space it provided. Tsawalk Learning Centre, Nanaimo Foodshare Society's

Cultivating Abilities, Homegrown and EAT programs, Katimavik and Vancouver Island University all contributed to the rapid growth of areas under production.

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The farm is a vibrant ecosystem on the banks of the Millstone River. Rigorous environmental assessments completed by Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRI) continue to guide management practices that respect and foster life.