In collaboration with Royal Roads University, the Compost Education Centre provides free soil testing to CRD growers and gatherers. Our soil testing evaluates whether there is heavy metal contamination as well as other indicators of soil health. We share soil testing results with each individual grower or gatherer along with resources to help interpret the results. We also compile the soil testing results in an anonymized and publicly available online map. In previous years, a team of Royal Roads University students went to the growing and gathering sites to collect the soil samples for analysis. This year, we are pivoting to a citizen science approach where applicants are responsible for collecting their own samples. In the long-term, this will make it possible for us to test more soil samples every year.

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February 15, 2025

Healing City Soils – Accepting Soil Samples!

We are now accepting soil samples for heavy metal testing in the soil where you grow or are planning to grow food and edible plants.

To participate

Please follow the HCS 2025 Sampling Instructions and bring your samples to the Compost Education Centre at 1216 North Park St during office hours (Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm). The first 50 people to drop off their samples will get FREE soil testing for heavy metal contamination – no application required! We will continue accepting soil samples until further notice. You will be responsible for collecting and delivering or sending your soil samples to the Compost Education Centre as instructed in the sampling instructions. You will receive your soil test results by the fall of 2025. The Compost Education Centre will host follow-up information sessions at no cost to all program participants in the winter of 2025. We also compile the soil testing results in an anonymized and publicly available online map, with exact locations obscured to protect participants’ privacy. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or at our office hotline (250) 386 9676.