The Charlton community food hub: enhancing food accessibility in Charlton and Dack, ON

Abstract

This thesis examines how both architecture and agriculture can enhance food accessibility in Northeastern Ontario. Extensive research, case studies, and multiple site visits have uncovered both the needs of the communities and the solutions required to increase the region's agricultural capabilities. Architectural responses within this thesis revolve around three themes which include education, community, and technical design. With climate change becoming an increasing threat to the rural life, this thesis also presents architectural and agricultural solutions that provide for a sustainable environment in an educational manner. This final design proposal explores the redevelopment of an abandoned school and its accompanying site in the municipality of Charlton and Dack, ON. The adaptive-reuse project transforms the school into a community space that serves as a multipurpose hub centered around producing and promoting fresh and sustainable local food. It is through this architectural proposal that the thesis is able to respond to local food accessibility in the region while promoting educational, communal, and technological values.