CAMBRIDGE – A recent series of thefts at the Springbank Farm Hub has resulted in the loss of essential equipment and left a mark on both operations and community spirit.
Officials say the hub is a vital site in the Rare Charitable Research Reserve’s food security and land stewardship work.
“Yet amidst the losses, Rare is witnessing the strength and generosity of the very community the Farm Hub serves,” officials continue in a release.
The stolen items include a zero-turn riding lawn mower, two push lawn mowers, gas and electric trimmers and a five-tonne Miska dump trailer – equipment critical to maintaining the gardens and growing food for local families.
Despite all the equipment being securely stored, the break-ins have led to an estimated $30,000 in damages.
Surveillance video footage has been shared with police, who are actively investigating the incidents.
Beyond the material cost, the impact has been deeply emotional, officials say.
Community gardeners, some of whom arrived to find broken shed doors and tools missing, have shared their sense of violation in a space that for many has been a refuge and place of connection with others.
“The Springbank Farm Hub supports over 100 community gardeners, many without access to gardening space at home,” stated Rare’s garden and facilities coordinator Taryn Jarvis.
“It’s a cornerstone of our efforts to grow and donate fresh, organic produce.
“In 2025 alone, we provided over 3,000 pounds of food to the Cambridge Food Bank. If this equipment can’t be replaced, our ability to feed those most in need next season is at risk.”
Springbank is one of Rare’s three major program hubs and plays a key role in Rare’s evolving vision for a Conservation Campus: a connected landscape where conservation, food, learning and community well-being thrive together.
The Farm Hub is a site of food production, cultural exchange, youth education and artistic inquiry, officials state.
“It is painful to know that someone would take from a place designed to give,” said Rare executive director Stephanie Sobek-Swant.
“But what’s more powerful is the response we’ve seen, from volunteers to gardeners. Everyone is asking how they can help. This work matters, and people are committed to seeing it continue.”
Rare is exploring options for fundraising and in-kind donations to replace the stolen equipment before the spring growing season begins.
“We refuse to let this define us,” states Sobek-Swant. “Springbank is a place of connection and abundance, where people help each other – and with the community on our side, it will remain so.”
To support Rare’s recovery efforts visit raresites.org/donate or contact Christine Thompson (christine.thompson@raresites.org).
Anyone with information can contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777.
