What is a community garden?
A community garden is a shared outdoor space where neighbours grow plants, vegetables, or flowers together. Unlike the City's private garden plot program, a community garden is planned, built, and managed by residents. You take the lead on day-to-day operations, while the City provides support through our Neighbourhoods and Parks & Trails teams.
Before you start
Growing a garden in a public space takes planning and teamwork. The City needs to see that your group is ready to care for the site long-term. You will need to gather a core team of volunteers, secure a suitable location, and prepare a formal proposal for City review.
1. Build your team
Start with at least five committed neighbours. Decide on roles early, such as site coordinator, treasurer, and communications lead. We recommend forming a local society or non-profit group. This protects individual volunteers from liability and makes it easier to apply for grants or open a bank account. You can find more information on registering your group through the Register a community association page.
2. Find a site
Look for a sunny, flat area with good drainage. You can use a vacant City-owned lot, a space within an existing park, or a corner of a community centre yard. The site must not be in a floodplain or environmentally sensitive area. If you are unsure about a location, contact the Parks Planner for guidance. The City will check zoning, soil conditions, and water access before approving a site.
3. Prepare your proposal
Your proposal tells the City how you will run the garden. Submit it to the Neighbourhoods Office for review. Include the following details:
- Administration: A list of volunteers, an organizational plan, and a proposed constitution or agreement. State whether you will charge a small fee for plots and how you will collect it.
- Insurance: A certificate of general liability insurance naming the City of Wrenford as an additional insured. A minimum of $2,000,000 coverage is required.
- Site plan: A simple drawing showing plot layouts, pathways, tool storage, and compost bins. Mark where you will source soil and how you will access water.
- Operations: A watering schedule, weeding roster, and fall clean-up plan. Explain how you will handle safety, security, and theft.
- Environmental practices: A commitment to chemical-free gardening, pollinator-friendly planting, and organic composting. The garden must follow the City's property standards and clean yards rules.
- Review and decommission: An annual evaluation date and a clear plan for returning the land to its original condition if the garden closes. This ensures the site stays safe and usable for future projects.
Fees and funding
The City does not charge a fee to start a community garden, but you are responsible for ongoing costs like soil, seeds, fencing, and tools. You can apply for the Community Grants program or the Neighbourhood Revitalization Grant to help cover start-up expenses. Keep detailed records of all spending, as the City requires a final financial report at the end of each season.
Support and resources
Our Neighbourhoods team can help you navigate the approval process. We offer free drop-in clinics where staff review draft proposals and answer questions. You can also pick up a Community Garden Handbook at City Hall or download it online. The handbook covers soil testing, pest management, and conflict resolution for shared spaces.
Once your garden is approved, you will sign a Community Garden Agreement with the City. This document outlines your responsibilities, the City's maintenance limits, and the rules for plot assignments. Agreements are reviewed every three years.
Contact
Ready to plant? Send your proposal draft to the Neighbourhoods Office at [email protected], or call 519-555-0100.