Food is a fundamental requirement of life on this planet. However, the basic structure of today’s linear “take-make-dispose” food system is unsustainable—economically, socially and environmentally.

In Guelph-Wellington, one in six families experience food insecurity, and the cost of healthy food keeps increasing. Meanwhile, between a third and a half of the food we produce is thrown away. Much of that ends up in landfill, where it creates the greenhouse gases that drive climate change.

Guelph-Wellington aims to address these issues by creating Canada’s first circular food economy, reimagining how we produce, distribute, sell and consume food. We imagine a food system where everyone can access nutritious food, nothing is wasted, and the impact on our environment is minimal. We imagine a system where food experts and entrepreneurs come together to tackle our most complex food challenges.

Guelph-Wellington will become Canada’s first circular food economy with three bold goals:

50% increase in access to affordable, nutritious food;
50 new circular food businesses, collaborations and social enterprises; and
50% increase in economic benefit by unlocking the value of waste.
Working together, we will share our ideas, data and technology solutions to move from the current system to a sustainable and thriving food economy that creates new jobs, and values our planet, health, equity and dignity for everyone.

The Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad (COIL) is an innovation platform and activation network aimed at creating, proving and scaling transformative solutions that will move Canada toward a more sustainable, circular economy.

Together with our partners, the City of Guelph is launching programs, Test Beds and platforms designed to mobilize organizations towards circularity. We will inspire and support circular businesses, social enterprises and collaborations in the food and environment sectors.

Join Paige Proulx , CFE iHub City Connector, in this informative session about how your business can get involved in the Circular Economy.