Mohawk College
EN-9: Community Partnerships

Sustainability ECO Fair - This event helps connect Mohawk students with local sustainable businesses, E-NGO’s and the initiatives taking place on campus. In partnership with the Sustainability Office and the Mohawk Students’ Association, This fair is coordinated by more than 100 Mohawk students who enroll in the general elective sustainability course. The event is planned by students for students. This full-day fair features exhibits from local sustainability-driven organizations, as well as local businesses who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable operations and their communities. Attendees have the chance to learn about how they can adopt or enhance a sustainable lifestyle, with vendors promoting easy ways to ‘go green’ in everyday life. Smart Commute The Sustainability Office and Smart Commute work closely to plan, communicate and engage staff, students and the community in ongoing conversation, and change surrounding active and alternative transportation options. Smart Commute is a program of Metrolinx and the municipalities of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Mohawk College has launched public transit, carpooling and cycling programs and initiatives, making the transition to alternative transportation easy, accessible and affordable, while ultimately reducing the College’s carbon footprint and easing gridlock. City of Hamilton Transportation and Environmental Summits The Sustainability Office serves as a committee member on the City of Hamilton Transportation and Environment summit planning committees. Mohawk staff and students receive discounts towards registration. Civic Action The Sustainability Office partners with Civic Action to advocate for their campaign, Your 32, creating awareness of the benefits of active and alternative transportation in the City of Hamilton and around the GTHA. This continued partnership calls for a conversation about sustainable transportation solutions, and a call to action for local residents, commuters and leaders.

Farm Stand - The Mohawk College Farm Stand, a project of the Sustainability Initiatives Fund opened in September 2014. Through a partnership with the Mustard Seed Coop, the Farm Stand is aimed at raising awareness about farmers’ markets in the College’s surrounding neighbourhoods. The campus farm stand brings locally grown/sourced produce and goods to Mohawk campus on a weekly basis from mid-August to mid-November. The goal is to connect students and staff with local food and goods in a way that is convenient and accessible. This partnership addressed a direct action from the Environmental Management Plan, which calls for the Office to: ‘support local food systems and the local economy while providing the College's third-party food service providers, staff and students with purchasing alternatives'. Bounty Bag Program - In partnership with the Mustard Seed Coop, The Sustainability Office offers Mohawk students and staff the opportunity to purchase $20.00 bounty bags (Bags that are filled with seasonal local produce). Which are ordered and picked up twice a month from the Mustard Seed Coop. This partnership addressed a direct action from the Environmental Management Plan, which calls for the Office to: ‘support local food systems and the local economy while providing the College's third-party food service providers, staff and students with purchasing alternatives' CarShare Program - Located in the Carpool Zone, Mohawk in an ongoing partnership with "Student CarShare" has two Student CarShare vehicles which give members the opportunity to book a car when they need one. This program supports alternative transit strategies and compliments alternative transit options by providing access to a vehicle as part of a multi-modal transit commitment.

Community Garden - The Mohawk College Sustainability Office launched an ongoing annual on-campus, cooperative-based community garden, whereby individuals, departments, student groups and community members are provided garden space at the Fennell campus to grow common fruits and vegetables for personal consumption. Tools, soil, and a watering system are provided for use of all participants by Mohawk College. This project encourages local food production while providing teaching and learning opportunities for Mohawk students, staff and community members. Potential members simply email the Sustainability Office to register for an allotted plot. In May 2015 the Sustainability Initiatives Fund invested $80,000 towards the expansion of the campus community garden. The expansion includes 48 plots, a gathering space for teaching and learning, a rainwater harvesting system and the opportunity for external community partnerships.