Community Gardens can open in Ontario

Community Gardens | Dan Gold on UnSplash

The province made the announcement on Saturday, April 25, 2020 that they would permit the use of community gardens. However, the gardens will need to be set up so gardeners will be able to socially distance. Some of the physically distancing challenges will be the use of community hoses, gate entrances, and water spigots. Between the Town and the gardeners solutions to those issues will be solved.

"We are happy that our collective efforts have helped to create this positive outcome. We are looking forward to working with local medical officers of health to determine how to safely open these gardens as they are an essential source of food to vulnerable populations in our community," stated Lisa Kohler, Halton Environmental Network's Executive Director

Oakville Community Gardens:

Kingsford Gardens (Clearview)

2480 Sherwood Heights Drive - Community Garden Plots - Image Credit: © OpenStreetMap contributors CC BY-SA

Lyons Lane

Lyon's Lane Garden Plots - 659 Lyons Lane - Image Credit: © OpenStreetMap contributors CC BY-SA

Memorial Park (Oak Park)

Memorial Park Garden Plots - 120 Oak Park Blvd - Image Credit: © OpenStreetMap contributors CC BY-SA

Shell Park (Bronte)

Shell Park - 3307 Lakeshore Road West - Image Credit: © OpenStreetMap contributors CC BY-SA

Unfortunately, there are no plots available according to the town's website, but you are able to put your name on a waitlist. The approximate waiting time for a community garden is 2 years. However, it is possible that this situation has changed.

In the past the community gardens have operated from May 1st to October 31st, and are for non-commercial use only.

The cost of a garden is $92.10 per year and for this the town provides:

On-site water and disposal bins
Spring bed preparation (weeding, removal of loose debris) for new tenants only
Spring rototilling

Gardeners are responsible for maintaining their garden plots throughout the season, including watering, pruning, harvesting, fertilizing, and pest/disease control.

"We are happy we can access our pollinator gardens.... and will consider adding some herbs to complement, which pollinators love too," commented Karen Brock, Oakvillegreen President

Government of Ontario statement on the opening of Community Gardens

Permit the use of allotment gardens and community gardens across the province. These gardens are an essential source of fresh food for some individuals and families, including those who face food insecurity. Local medical officers of health will provide advice, recommendation and instruction s that the gardens must meet in order to operate, such as physical distancing, and cleaning and disinfecting commonly used equipment and surfaces.