1. MODEL TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY GARDENING IN OTTAWA

MODÈLE POUR SOUTENIR LE JARDINAGE COMMUNAUTAIRE DANS

LA VILLE D’OTTAWA

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS AMENDED

That Council approve the Community Gardening Program Action Plan contained in this report, as amended by the following:

1. That garbage pick-up and at cost tilling (Spring and Fall) be continued for the Nepean Allotment Gardens;

2. That the underground water system and storage of above ground water troughs and road maintenance be continued to be provided by the City for the Gloucester Allotment Gardens.

RECOMMENDATIONS MODIFIÉES DU COMITÉ

Que le Conseil municipal approuve le plan d’action du Programme de jardinage communautaire contenu dans le présent rapport sous réserve des amendements suivants :

1. Que la Ville continue de faire la cueillette des détritus et le labourage à prix coûtant, printemps et automne, des jardins communautaires de Nepean;

2. Que la Ville continue d’assurer la distribution d’eau souterraine, l’entreposage des bacs d’eau et l’entretien des chemins des jardins communautaires de Gloucester;

Documentation

1. S. Kanellakos, Deputy City Manager, Community and Protective Services report dated 21 September 2004 (ACS2004-CPS-CSF-0016).

2. Extract of Draft Minutes, 7 October 2004.

Report to/Rapport au:

Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee

Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux

and Council/et au Conseil

21 September 2004/le 21 septembre 2004

Submitted by/Soumis par: Steve Kanellakos, Deputy City Manager,

Community and Protective Services/directeur municipal adjoint, Services communautaires et de protection

Contact Person/Personne ressource : Colleen Hendrick, Director, Cultural Services and Community Funding /directrice, Services culturels et Financement communautaire

(613) 580-2424, x/poste 24366, colleen.hendrick@ottawa.ca

Ref N°: ACS2004-CPS-CSF-0016

SUBJECT:	MODEL TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY GARDENING IN OTTAWA

OBJET :	MODÈLE POUR SOUTENIR LE JARDINAGE COMMUNAUTAIRE DANS LA VILLE D’OTTAWA

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

That the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee recommend Council approve the Community Gardening Program ~~action~~ Action Pplan.

Community Garden Action Plan.

Identify and provide access to community garden space

Ensure that the City’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law includes community gardens as a permitted use in all land use zones, with the exception of those zones required to protect the natural environment.
Collaborate with the Community Garden Network (CGN), through the City of Ottawa staff contact, to identify opportunities where community gardens may be established on non-City owned land and / or adjacent to non-City owned facilities.
Establish a process to identify City-owned space appropriate for community gardens:

i) Identify City-owned space that has minimal development potential

ii) Include community gardens in the evaluation of priority use of City surplus space

iii) Community gardens would be subject to the same priority review process that other properties undergo

Implement a standardised licence of occupation used for community gardens on City space. These licences will contain a 180-day cancellation clause, initiated at the General Manager level, if required.

2. Support Capacity Development

a. Provide liaison functions for community garden development and with the Community Garden Network (CGN)

b. Assist community garden groups, in collaboration with the CGN, to access partnership sponsors and alternate funding sources

c. Coordination and implementation of the various activities included as part of actions 1)b), 1)c), 1)d), 2)d), 3)a), and 4)

d. Communicate the process for community groups to access community gardens in the City of Ottawa

3. Provide Operational Support

a) Establish an annual garden development fund of $5,000 in 2005 to cover the start-up costs for new gardens. The City’s liaison will be responsible for coordinating the allocation of the fund. This budget is based on the start-up of up to two new gardens per year

b) Allow water access and use where City of Ottawa infrastructure exists and ensure maintenance of existing systems

c) Permit community garden groups to be included in the community association group liability coverage

d) Provide support to facilitate and support sustainable gardening practices such as compost techniques, water efficiency and healthy gardening practices, as related to the pesticide reduction strategy

e) Endorse and promote community gardening by including information about the CGN and community garden information on the City’s website.

4. Evaluate the community garden model.

Collaborate on an evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed model to support community gardening and report to Council

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux recommande au Conseil d’approuver le Pplan d’action pour le Programme de jardinage communautaire.

Plan d’action pour le jardinage communautaire

1. Déterminer et offrir un espace de jardins communautaires :

a) Veiller à ce que le règlement général de zonage de la Ville comprenne les jardins communautaires comme utilisation permise dans toutes les zones d’utilisation du sol, à l’exception des zones requises aux fins de protection de l’environnement.

b) Collaborer avec le Réseau de jardins communautaires (RJC), par l’intermédiaire des personnes-ressources de la Ville d’Ottawa, afin d’examiner la possibilité de créer des jardins communautaires sur les terrains ou près des installations qui n’appartiennent pas à la Ville.

c) Instaurer un processus permettant de désigner un espace appartenant à la Ville, propice à la création de jardins communautaires :

i) Désigner un espace appartenant à la Ville et offrant un minimum de possibilités d’aménagement.

ii) Inclure les jardins communautaires en ce qui concerne l’évaluation de l’utilisation prioritaire de l’espace excédentaire de la Ville.

iii) Soumettre les jardins communautaires au même processus d’évaluation des priorités que les biens.

d) Instaurer un permis d’occupation uniforme pour les jardins communautaires se trouvant sur l’espace de la Ville et comportant une clause de révocation de 180 jours par le directeur général, s’il y a lieu.

2. Soutenir le développement des capacités :

a) Instaurer des fonctions de liaison aux fins de création de jardins communautaires avec le Réseau de jardins communautaires (RJC).

b) Aider les groupes utilisant les jardins communautaires, en collaboration avec le RJC, à se mettre en rapport avec les promoteurs de partenariat et les sources de financement de rechange.

c) Coordonner et mettre en œuvre les activités prévues aux points 1)b), 1)c), 1)d), 2)d), 3)a) et 4)

d) Communiquer le processus d’accès aux jardins communautaires de la Ville d’Ottawa aux groupes communautaires.

3. Offrir un soutien opérationnel :

a) Créer un fonds annuel 5000 $ pour couvrir les coûts de création des nouveaux jardins en 2005. L’agent de liaison municipal coordonnera le fonds. Le budget doit prévoir la création d’au plus deux jardins par année.

b) Autoriser l’accès à l’eau et son utilisation lorsque l’infrastructure municipale nécessaire existe et assurer l’entretien des systèmes actuels.

c) Autoriser les groupes utilisant les jardins communautaires à être inclus dans la couverture d’assurance-groupe des associations communautaires.

d) Offrir de l’aide pédagogique afin de favoriser et d’appuyer des méthodes de jardinage durables, comme celles de la stratégie de réduction des pesticides.

e) Endosser et promouvoir le jardinage communautaire en donnant de l’information sur le RJC et les jardins communautaires sur le site Internet de la Ville.

4) Évaluer le modèle de jardins communautaires.

Collaborer afin d’évaluer l’efficacité du modèle de soutien au jardinage communautaire et de rapport au conseil proposé.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Community Garden Network (CGN) promotes the development and support of community gardening in Ottawa. As part of the CGN’s Municipal Policy Project, the CGN was asked to consult with municipal officials and staff for the development of a comprehensive and coordinated policy to support community gardening in Ottawa. At the March 20, 2003 meeting of the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee, the Community Garden Network (CGN) submitted “A Proposed Role for the City of Ottawa”. Following that meeting, an interdepartmental staff working group was established and in collaboration with the CGN, developed an inventory of the current community gardens, reviewed the City’s current role and discussed potential options regarding municipal support. Please refer to Annex 2 for details on the Inventory of Community Gardens and various types of support provided for community gardens.

In September 2003, Community and Protective Services was asked to report back with recommendations on an action plan with appropriate timelines and a list of community gardening initiatives underway in other Canadian municipalities.

This report proposes establishment of a Community Gardening Program with an Action Plan that provides for: identification and access to community garden space; support for capacity development through a staff liaison to facilitate access to sponsorships and other funding sources; operational support, and evaluation.

RÉSUMÉ

Le Réseau de jardins communautaires (RJC) encourage le développement et le soutien du jardinage communautaire à Ottawa. Dans le cadre du Projet de politique municipale, on a demandé au RJC de consulter les autorités et le personnel municipaux au sujet de la mise en oeuvre d'une politique globale et coordonnée visant à appuyer le jardinage communautaire à Ottawa. À la réunion du 20 mars 2003 du Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux, le Réseau de jardins communautaires (RJC) a présenté le document « Un rôle suggéré pour la Ville d'Ottawa ». Suite à cette réunion, un groupe de travail interservices du personnel a été mis sur pied et, en collaboration avec le RJC, il a élaboré un inventaire des jardins communautaires actuels, examiné le rôle actuel de la Ville et a discuté des possibilités d’un soutien municipal. Veuillez vous référer à l'annexe 2 pour les détails de l'inventaire des jardins communautaires et divers types de soutien fournis aux jardins communautaires.

En septembre 2003, on a demandé aux Services communautaires et de protection de soumettre des recommandations pour un plan d'action avec des échéanciers appropriés et une liste d'initiatives de jardinage communautaire dans d'autres municipalités canadiennes.

Ce rapport propose l'établissement d'un Programme de jardinage municipal comportant un plan d'action fournissant la désignation des espaces de jardin communautaire et leur accès; l'appui du développement de la capacité par l'entremise de parrainages et d'autres sources de financement; le soutien opérationnel; l'évaluation.

DISCUSSION

Community gardens are projects that are initiated and led by the community, cooperatively planned and managed by local residents. They are designed to provide community members with access to space and other resources for gardening. Community gardens provide a benefit to the community-at-large by increasing community involvement, self-reliance and contributing to more liveable, safer neighbourhoods. Approximately 3,820 Ottawa residents, of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, benefit directly from these community-run gardens. Community gardens are different from allotment gardens that are administered by municipalities and lease individual plots to gardeners.

The majority of Ottawa’s community gardens have developed in the urban core where high-density housing provides limited opportunity for residents to access private garden space. There are 21 community gardens across the City of Ottawa, varying in size from 6 to 250 plots. Eleven community gardens are linked with Community Health and Resource Centres and four with Community Houses. Two of these gardens, the Nepean Allotment Garden and the Gloucester Allotment Garden are on City-owned land and were previously supported by the Cities of Nepean and Gloucester. The City of Ottawa operates one municipal allotment garden, the Dempsey Allotment Garden, located on Kilborn Avenue. The City’s Parks and Recreation Branch manages this municipal allotment garden through the Dempsey Community Centre.

Building a sense of community, particularly in urban neighbourhoods with diverse populations, is one of the biggest challenges for municipalities. Community gardens offer a rare opportunity to bring community members of diverse backgrounds together. Ottawa’s community gardens reflect this diversity. For example, there is representation from 13+ different cultural groups at the Carlington Community Garden; at the Nanny Goat Hill Community Garden more than 50% of the gardeners are from different cultural backgrounds. Residents of all ages and all socio-economic backgrounds work side by side in Ottawa’s community gardens.

Recent research attributes community gardens with keeping neighbourhoods safe. For example, a ten-year study on the roots of neighbourhood crime at the Harvard School of Public Health concluded that cooperative efforts in low income neighbourhoods, where neighbours meet and work together in community gardens, result in safer neighbourhoods and healthier children[1]. The City of Toronto has also acknowledged that “community gardens have been shown to revitalize areas where vandalism and illegal activities degraded places”[2].

The Caldwell Peace Garden is located in an Ottawa Community Housing neighbourhood. Many residents from diverse cultural backgrounds previously isolated from one another now interact because of this garden. The coordinator of the Caldwell Peace Garden indicates that community pride in the garden has led to increased interaction and respect among community members that extends beyond the garden.

The majority of Ottawa’s community gardens are associated with partnership or sponsorship agencies, including Community Health and Resource Centres, Community Houses, housing cooperatives and faith groups. A recent Health Canada publication states, “community gardens address personal health, economic, environmental and cultural issues and play an important role in the development of healthy, human communities”.[3] For these reasons most major municipalities across Canada and the U.S.A. have developed models or policies to support their development. Please refer to Annex 3 for a list of community gardening initiatives in other Canadian cities.

The City of Ottawa does not have a Community Gardening Program nor a model to support community gardening. While the City has supported community gardens in the past, the support has been somewhat random and inequitable. This lack of coordination resulted in a situation where some gardens received considerable support and other gardens received none.

The City of Ottawa provides $25,000 in sustained funding and $10,000 from the National Child Benefit (NCB) for the coordination of the Community Garden Network. This funding is part of the total City funding allocation to the Sandy Hill Community Health and Resource Centre. The sustaining contribution has been provided annually since 2001. The NCB funding was provided through the former Region of Ottawa and is subject to the availability of annual NCB funding.

It is proposed that a Community Gardening Program be established, identifying the level of municipal support and that the Action Plan contained in this report be approved.

Community Gardening Program Action Plan

The model, supported by the CGN, proposes that the overall objective be to assist community gardens in moving towards self-sustainability. Supporting self-sustainability recognizes the positive community-building outcomes that occur as a result of the community-initiated activities of community gardens.

The following four key areas have been identified as critical to the success of the proposed model:

1. Identification and access to community garden space

2. Supporting capacity development

3. The provision of operational support

4. Monitoring and evaluation of the proposed model

Actions:

1. Identification and Access to Community Garden Space

Access to appropriate garden space is essential for community gardening to occur in the urban context. The City has a role to play to assist with the identification and access to space appropriate for community gardening. This would include facilitating access to private space, space adjacent to existing City facilities, where feasible, and other City or public space. The suitability of any City space as a potential site for a community garden will be evaluated in light of the suitability and practicality of this use, in conjunction with current or planned programming or use of the space, such as affordable housing or park programming.

Up-front screening of sites avoids the potential need to relocate the garden at a future time. Screening garden sites in this way is important to the development of sustainable community gardens. Screening would include an environmental investigation to ensure suitability of the land for gardening of comestible products. This would include a review of historical data to determine prior occupancy of site and if required, a soil assessment.

The City cannot influence security of tenure of private space but security can be increased for gardens on City-owned sites. A number of elements over which the City has control can influence the longevity of gardens. These are: ensuring access to potential sites can occur quickly through a simple process; identifying sites that are not likely to be developed in the next five years; establishing licences of occupation (5-year licence with option for renewal based on evaluation in the 4^th year); and providing assistance to identify a replacement site, within a year, if a garden is required to relocate before the termination of the licence of occupation. In the event that a garden is relocated, it would be considered eligible for the same start-up support as a new garden. Start-up costs for relocated gardens would come out of the annual community garden start-up fund.

Frequently, the most successful community gardens are ones that have benefited from the support of a partnership with a sponsoring agency, such as a Community Health and Resource Centre, a community house or faith group. Facilitating the links between community garden groups and partner/sponsorship agencies builds capacity and provides an alternative means of support. Often community gardens develop to take advantage of opportunities such as an interim use on space earmarked for other purposes. In the event that these groups are required to relocate, it is important that assistance be provided to identify an alternative space appropriate for community gardening. The sponsoring body in conjunction with the City can provide this assistance.

Based on a comparison of statistical variables by ward, the CGN has identified areas in the City that demonstrate both high need and a high likelihood of sustainability. This information will serve as a guideline for the development goals of community gardens. Please refer to Annex 2 for a Summary of the CGN Development Plan.

1.	Identification and Access to Community Garden Space
	*Action*	*Responsibility*	*Timelines*
1) a)	Ensure that the City’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law includes community gardens as a permitted use in all land use zones, with the exception of those zones required to protect the natural environment.	Planning and Growth Management (Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy Branch)	2006
1)b)	Collaborate with the Community Garden Network (CGN), through the City of Ottawa staff contact, to identify opportunities where community gardens may be established on non-City owned space and / or adjacent to non-City owned facilities.	Planning and Growth Management (Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy Branch), Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding) and the CGN	On-going
1)c)	Establish a process to identify City-owned land appropriate for community gardens: i) Identify City-owned land that has minimal development potential ii) Include community gardens in the evaluation of priority use of City surplus land iii) Community gardens would be subject to the same priority review process that other properties undergo	Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding), Planning and Growth Management (Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy Branch) and Corporate Services (RPAM)	January 2005
1)d)	Implement a standardised licence of occupation used for community gardens on City land. These licences will contain a 180-day cancellation clause, initiated at the Deputy City Manager level, if required.	Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding) and Corporate Services (RPAM)	January 2005

2. Capacity Support

The capacity of the community garden group to create, develop and sustain a community garden is key, both from a community and a City perspective. Support to facilitate this capacity is essential for the initial and successful start-up of community gardens and to their long-term sustainability.

It is recommended that the City identify a staff person who would be the main liaison and work in collaboration with the Community Garden Network to provide this capacity support. One of the key functions of this liaison position would be, in collaboration with the CGN, to assist the groups to access partnership sponsors and other funding sources. The City liaison position would also include providing assistance to community garden groups to identify and access garden space, coordinating the completion of a partnership agreement with qualifying community garden groups and soliciting departmental and interagency cooperation to expand opportunities for community gardening. The presence of City staff provides municipal recognition and support and ensures access to information. The involvement of City staff will also facilitate interdepartmental and interagency collaboration and partnership. As well, the City liaison will collaborate with the CGN to undertake a collection of baseline data in the first year and an evaluation of the community garden model in the third year.

It is recommended that community gardens enter into a partnership agreement with the City, over and above any licence of occupation. This agreement would outline the responsibilities of both parties, and will in effect “register” the community garden group with the City. The registration process will also provide the opportunity to evaluate the capacity of the group, the amount of start-up support that may be required and identify the roles and responsibilities of both parties.

2.	Supporting Capacity Development
	*Action*	*Responsibility*	*Timelines*
2)a)	Provide liaison function, within an existing staff position, for community garden development and with the Community Garden Network (CGN)	Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding)	October 2004
2)b)	Assist community garden groups, in collaboration with the CGN, to access partnership sponsors and alternate funding sources	Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding)	October 2004
2)c)	Coordination and implementation of the various activities included as part of actions 1.b), 1.c), 1.d), 2.d), 3.a) and 4	Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding)	Ongoing
2)d)	Communicate the process for community groups to access community gardens in the City of Ottawa.	CGN	Fall 2004

3. Operational Support

It is recommended that operational support be focused on initial garden start-up to encourage successful community garden development. Already established gardens will be expected to be mostly self-sustaining and not need support after the first growing season. In most cases, new sites will need some assistance to develop ideal growing conditions. Partnership sponsors that garden groups have aligned with can also provide assistance for start-up support. The needs of individual gardens will vary by size, location and how much support is provided from the community. For some garden groups, already aligned with community partners, with access to a favourable site, the start-up support will be minimal. For groups with less capacity, that have been unable to solicit community support and have a less favourable site, the need for start-up support will be greater.

Over the last 10 years, an average of one new community garden has been developed per year. Some gardens have closed, due to capacity or land security issues. Between 1998 and 2004, two gardens were closed as the sites were scheduled for redevelopment. In 2004, two new gardens have been developed. Both received start-up support from the CGN and community partners and needed no municipal support. Three gardens are in the planning stages for 2005, two have strong community links and the CGN is working with one to establish some community support. With a model in place to support community gardening it is estimated that two new gardens will be developed per year that may require municipal start-up support.

It is recommended that an annual garden development fund of $5,000 be established to support the start-up costs for up to two new community gardens per year, effective 2005. The amount of the fund will be reviewed and adjusted in its third year based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of the community garden model.

The projected start-up costs required for the development of a new community garden, of approximately ¼ of an acre (1,080 square metres), based on actual private supplier costs, are as follows:

· Site preparation; including compost, compost delivery, topsoil and tilling range between $853 and $1,866 (depending on condition of site, capacity of garden group and community partnership sponsors);

· Costs to cover items such as compost bins, water barrels and tool sheds are approximately $470;

· Where no water infrastructure exists, none will be developed; if water pipes are located underneath the land, a standing pipe may be installed, at a cost of $450.

· Total start-up costs to support the development of one new garden would range between $1,323 and $2,786. Start-up costs for two new community gardens would range between $2,646 and $5,572.

An annual garden development fund of $5,000 could cover the start up cost of two new community gardens. It is also proposed that all community gardens be included in the seasonal (Fall) refuse pick-up and be permitted water access in situations where infrastructure already exists.

Established gardens will be strongly encouraged to practise sustainable gardening principles. The City, in partnership with the CGN, will provide information and support on the following: composting methods, water efficiency, and healthy gardening methods as related to the pesticide reduction strategy and other best practices.

3.	Provision of Operational Support
	*Action*	*Responsibility*	*Timelines*
3)a)	Establish an annual garden development fund of $5,000 in 2005 to cover the start-up costs for new gardens. The City’s liaison will be responsible for coordinating the allocation of the fund. This budget is based on the start-up of up to two new gardens per year.	Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding)	January 2005
3)b)	Allow water access and use where City of Ottawa infrastructure exists and ensure maintenance of existing systems.	Corporate Services	On-going
3)c)	Permit community garden groups to be included in the community association group liability coverage.	Corporate Services, Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding)	January 2005
3)d)	Provide support to facilitate and support sustainable gardening practices such as compost techniques, water efficiency and healthy gardening practices, as related to the pesticide reduction strategy.	Public Works and Services, CGN	On-going
3)e)	Endorse and promote community gardening by including information about the CGN and community garden information on the City’s website.	Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding)	Fall 2004

4. Evaluation of the Proposed Model

To measure the effectiveness of the model, both from a community and a municipal perspective, it is recommended that an evaluation be done by the CGN, in collaboration with the City, after three years utilizing baseline data collected in the first year that the model is applied.

This evaluation will be submitted to Council and will measure the following:

· Total number of community gardens

· Number of low-income people involved in community gardening

· Number of community gardens that become self-supporting

· Number of community gardens on waiting list

· Costs of community gardening

· Feedback from community gardeners on how the model is working for them

4.	Monitoring and Evaluation of the Proposed Model
	*Action*	*Responsibility*	*Timelines*
4)	Collaborate on an evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed model to support community gardening and report to Council.	CGN / Community and Protective Services (Cultural Services and Community Funding)	On-going December 2007

CONSULTATION

This report was prepared in collaboration with the interdepartmental staff working group, with representation from Planning and Growth Management: Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Branch; Corporate Services: RPAM; Public Works and Services: and Community and Protective Services: Parks and Recreation Branch and Cultural Services and Community Funding; the Joint Community Steering Committee, with representation from the gardening community, the CGN and City staff.

From May through September 2004, Cultural Services and Community Funding staff met with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, the Health and Social Services Advisory Committee, the Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Poverty Issues Advisory Committee, who supported the proposed model and in some cases proposed specific motions (See Annex 5, Advisory Committee Motions). With regard to the Health and Social Services Advisory Committee motion, staff have not evaluated the implications or sustainability of the motion.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The amount of $5,000 to be allocated to the CGN for new community garden development is available within the 2004 approved budget for Community Funding.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Annex 1: Inventory of Community Gardens

Annex 2: Community Garden Network Draft Development Plan

Annex 3: Municipal Support for Community Gardens in Other Canadian Cities

Annex 4: Sample of Municipal Policy to Support Community Gardening: Kitchener, Ontario

Annex 5: Advisory Committee Motions

DISPOSITION

Community and Protective Services will implement the directions of Council.

No.		Name of Garden		Type (Community / Allotment / Other)		Location Zoning and Bylaws	Size (total + number of plots)	Operating since	Plot Allocation	Gardeners’ Involvement Type (Pay a Fee, Contribute Work, Other)	Projects (e.g., Compost, Water Conservation, Native Habitat)
1		3-Sisters Community Garden		Community garden		33 Henderson St Henderson St (Sandy Hill), between Templeton & Mann R5C [89] H(13.8): Bylaw 2000-242, text change amends 1998-093	18 plots (22 gardeners including several pairs using the same plot)	NA	Seniority, then 1st come, 1st serve	$20/yr includes compost, water, and use of tools. Gardeners expected to contribute volunteer time to communal tasks.	Compost System, 2 rain barrels
2		Basse-Ville Jardin Communautaire		Community garden		40 Cobourg St L4 [332]: Bylaw 2000-074, text change amends 1998-093	6	1996	Seniority, then 1st come, 1st serve	All gardeners participate in decision-making meetings.	3-bin compost system, 1 rain barrel
3		Belair Community Garden		Community garden		1785 Baseline Rd R6A F(1.5) U(185.0) Bylaw 2000-185, text change amends 1998-093	NA	2003 Start-up	NA	NA	Compost system
4		Bethany Community Garden		Community garden		382 Centrepointe Dr R6A F(1.5) U(185.0): Bylaw 2000-185, text change amends 1998-093	16-18, some children's plots are smaller (10children, 10 adults)	1996	Seniority, then 1st come, 1st serve	Some are children from the church who each have a small plot. Others pay $10/plot/yr.	Compost System
5		Blair Court Community Garden		Community garden		1566 Station Blvd 4A U(40.0): Bylaw 2000-185, text change amends 1998-093	10 - 10' x 10' plots; 15 gardeners (serving 35 directly)	1999	Seniority, then 1st come, 1st serve	No fee, with expectation of shared maintenance.	3-bin compost system, 1 rain barrel
6		Britannia Community Garden		Community garden		2730 Carling Ave L4: Bylaw 1998-093	NA	1990	Some assigned plots, others communally cared for	NA	NA
7		Bytowne Urban Gardens – BUGs		Community garden		424 Metcalfe St CG8 F(3.0) H(18.3) HE: Bylaw 2000-067, text change amends 1998-093	30 (35 gardeners + 54 Children from YM/YWCA program	1997	NA	No fee but gardeners volunteer 1 "green" hr/mth and take turns filling water barrels twice/season.	5 bin compost system, 12 rain barrels, garden shed.
8		Caldwell Peace Garden		Community garden		1465 Caldwell Ave R6B [612] F(2.0): Bylaw 2000-185, text change amends 1998-093	35	2003 Start-up	1st come, 1st serve	NA	Compost system
9		Carlington Community Garden		Community garden		900 Merivale Rd I1: Bylaw 2000-251, text change amends 1998-093	150 plots	NA	NA	NA	Large capacity compost system, water access via standing water pipes to Carlington CHRC.
10		Carson Road Community Garden		Community garden		734, Carson Rd	Approx. 120 sq feet.	May 2004	20 interested residents who were involved in the planning share the plot	Gardeners are expected to maintain the garden.	Children and youth from the Community House summer camp participate in the garden and take produce home to their families
11		Chateau Donald Community Garden		Community garden		251 Donald St R6A H(55.0): Bylaw 1998-186A, text change amends 1998-093	20' x 36' = 8 plots; 9 gardeners	2003 Start up	Seniority then lottery	All sign “gardeners agreement “- mostly maintenance	Water access from OCHC building
12		Debra Dynes Community Garden		Community garden		85-955 Debra Ave R3A U(40.0): Bylaw 1998-093	1 large communal plot – no individual plots	NA	Communal	Open to all clients of Debra Dynes Family house (emergency food cupboard)	NA
13		Lepage Community Garden		Community garden		1400 Lepage Ave R6A F(1.0): Bylaw 2000-185, text change amends 1998-093	Approx. 15-20	1998	NA	NA	NA
14		Nanny Goat Hill Community Garden		Community garden		575 Laurier Ave R7 F(5.0) H(36.6): Bylaw 2000-113, text change amends 2000-005	40 plots; 70 gardeners	1999	1st come, 1st serve. Possible interview to determine commitment to community spirit.	$5/plot/yr + commitment to help with maintenance and composting in communal areas which includes herb and flower gardens and 2 food bank plots.	5 bin compost system which includes outreach to a nearby high-rise where 50 units are involved in a compost pilot project located in the garden, water barrels.
15		Strathcona Heights Community Garden		Community garden		430 Wiggins Priv R5A [127] F(1.0) Sch.96: Bylaw 2000-185, text change amends 1998-093	225' x 35' = 34, 15'x 15' plots	1995	Seniority, Strathcona Heights residents, then 1st come, 1st serve.	$20/plot/yr, most work done by core volunteers.	3 bin compost system, water access via standing pipes running from adjacent Ottawa Community Housing building.
16		Sweet Willow Community Garden		Community garden		31 Rochester St R6H U(127.0): Bylaw 2000-185, text change amends 1998-093	12 plots, 17 gardeners	1998	Seniority, then 1st come, 1st serve.	No fee	3 bin compost system, water access via standing pipes running from adjacent CCOC building.
17		River Side Park Community Garden		Community garden		700 Brookfield Avenue I1: Bylaw 2000-251, text change amends 1998-093	3 plots in a 20' X 20' are+ 1 plot that is 3' x 40	1999	NA	Work contributions	NA
18		DOG (Downtown Ottawa Garden)		Community garden		575 Laurier Ave West R7 F(5.0) H(36.6): Bylaw 2000-113, text change amends 2000-005	Approx. 4000 sq feet. 30 plots	Fall 2002 (hoping to start gardening in 2003)	NA	Work contributions	NA
19		Gloucester Allotment Garden Association		NA		First site: On Orient Park Dr (near Innes). Os: Bylaw 1999-333 Second site: On Weir Rd (near to Anderson and Renaud Roads) Os, with a small portion possibly in HOs: Bylaw 1999-333	First site: Orient Park: 160 plots equivalent to 25ft by 50ft (178 actual plots as some are half size) Second site: 2. Weir Rd: 44 plots equivalent to 25 ft. by 50ft.	Began operations in 1981 after NCC abandoned the allotment garden program.	NA	See note 2	NA
19		Note 2: After the NCC abandoned the Allotment Garden Program in 1981, a group of gardeners, with the support of the City of Gloucester, formed a non-profit volunteer organization to continue the allotment garden in Gloucester. This will be their 23rd year of operation. The gardeners, through an elected Board of Directors, are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the program. They voluntarily perform the registration and collect the specified fees, conduct the requirement publicity, stake the plots in spring and perform the fall clean-up. They hire a contractor to till the plots, buy compost, rent a tractor to distribute compost to each garden, maintain the water taps at Orient Park and buy water for the Anderson Rd. site.
20		City of Ottawa Allotment Garden (Dempsey Allotment Gardens)		City Allotment gardens		1975 Kilborn L2B [757]: Bylaw 2000-022, amends Bylaw 1998-093	20' to 25" x 45' to 50'	NCC ran the gardens from 1981 until 1988 when the City took over	NA	Gardeners pay $52.00/season limited sheds available (82 sheds) for rent at $15.75/season. Gardeners responsible for their own tilling, planting, equipment etc.	NA
21		Nepean Allotment Garden Assocation		Community garden		230 Viewmont Dr. PRP: Bylaw 100-2000	192 plots, 71 are perennial	Volunteers manage the garden since 1991	Last years gardeners have first right of the refusal then goes to first come first service Waiting list - over 60.	Cost for plots: $25, $20 – seniors; $12.50 or $10 for seniors for .5 plot or perennial plot - Gardeners prepare plots in Spring and Fall	Composing project Awards projects - for various categories of gardens - judged by local garden centre store.
	22		Youth Services Bureau (YSB) Community Garden		Community garden	96 McEwen Ave Ottawa	18 x 32 ft - communal plot	N/A	Communal plot is shared by the gardeners.	Expectation that all gardeners will participate in the maintenance of the garden.	Linked with community kitchen at Pinecrest Queensway Community Health and Resource Centre, promotes healthy eating/food awareness, skills building ie cooking and nutrition.

No.	Name of Garden	City Involvement (Funding / in kind) Please Specify Amount and Type	Funding Sources (other than City)	Land Status (Owned / Leased / Temporary / Permanent)	Community Links / Contributions / Partnerships (ex. Church, Food Bank etc)	Other Relevant Information
1	3-Sisters Community Garden	Indirectly - via composting signage & water barrels produced by the CGN/RJC with City funding, and compost delivery until last year.	NA	University of Ottawa; threatened - Ottawa U. will probably begin construction on site this yr.	CGN/RJC, University of Ottawa, Sandy Hill Housing Co-op, OPIRG_Ottawa.	NA
2	Basse-Ville Jardin Communautaire	Indirectly - via composting signage & water barrels produced by the CGN/RJC with City funding, and compost delivery until last year.	Lowertown Community Resource Centre makes a symbolic contribution + coordinator's time.	City of Ottawa	CGN/RJC, Lowertown Community Resource Centre.	NA
3	Belair Community Garden	NA	NA	Private Apartment Complex Development	Private: Property owner - Dave Houston, Home Depot; CD support: Carlington CHS, Tenants' Assoc.	Flower gardening only
4	Bethany Community Garden	Indirectly - via composting signage & water barrels produced by the CGN/RJC with City funding, and compost delivery until last year.	Bethany Baptist Church provides tools.	Bethany Baptist Church	CGN/RJC, Bethany Baptist Church Garden Committee and Bethany's Centrepointe House has hosted workshops on gardening, wellness and other environmental issues.	Focus on intergenerational exchange, but also open to members of surrounding community. Whole church property pesticide free. Many gardeners use organic seeds. Property also offers edible fruit including elderberry, raspberries, cherry, apples, plum.
5	Blair Court Community Garden	Indirectly - via composting signage and rain barrels produced by the CGN/RJC with City funding, and compost delivery until last year; City staff prepared site originally.	None	Temporary - Church property	CGN/RJC; Eglise de la Nativite de Notre Seigneur.	Struggling to maintain community participation.
6	Britannia Community Garden	Adopt-a-Park Program, Design assistance.	NA	City of Ottawa	NA	Park status - land security not an issue.
7	Bytowne Urban Gardens – BUGs	Indirectly - via composting signage & water barrels produced by the CGN/RJC with City funding, Directly - City provides annual user agreement for use of the site.	Community Foundation of Ottawa grant; Environment Canada, Action21 as a youth project; HRDC Summer Career Placement Program; RMOC lease of land at nominal fee; Church of Ascension for start up costs.	Temporary (yr to yr lease) and insecure site about to be developed for EMS station and affordable housing.	Please see note 1	Winner 1998 City of Ottawa Environmental Achievement Award; Host of CGN/RJC Urban Farmers' Festival (UFF) and workshop days; Bud's for Buddies is a BUG outreach that delivers flowers to shut ins; Girl Guides can attain environment badge by getting involved in BUGs.
7	Note 1: CGN/RJC, YM/YWCA, provides access to water in exchange for children's' plot, meeting rooms; Centretown CHC provides meeting space, voicemail, fax and mail; Church of the Ascension provides workshop space, photocopying, kitchen space; Canadian Environmental Network Youth Caucus provides workshop facilitation, photocopying; Food Bank/Centre 507 beneficiary of produce; Partnerships with neighbourhood businesses and organizations to collect/divert organic vegetable waste to BUGs compost system. Other community relationships include Loblaws, CCOC, Great Glebe Garage Sale, Arbour Environmental Shoppe; GO Greens Organic Farm, Lee Valley Tools, Ottawa Organic Food Alternatives, Rochester Heights Tenants Association, St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Sandy Hill CHC, United Church of Canada Ottawa Presbytery, Wesley United Church.
8	Caldwell Peace Garden	Indirectly - via composting signage & water barrels produced by the CGN/RJC with City funding, and compost delivery until last year; Some gardeners are supported by Ontario Works.	NA	City of Ottawa	CGN/RJC, Ottawa Community Housing Corp, Home Depot, Social Action Committee of local Tenants' Assoc, Carlington CHS.	A spin-off of Carlington Community Gardens
9	Carlington Community Garden	Indirectly - via composting signage & water barrels produced by the CGN / RJC with City funding, and compost delivery until last year.	Trillium	Permanent/Secure situated beside host agency Carlington Community Health Services on City of Ottawa land.	CGN/RJC; Carlington CHS.	13 languages spoken, 66% with income < $15k
10	Carson Road Community Garden	Iindirectly through the cgn/funded by the City	OCHC provided space and topsoil, the cgn provided initial start up information and guidance and 2 cgn members provided help to prepare and plant the garden.	Owned by OCHC	Garden is sponsored/coordinated by the Carson Rd Community House, OCHC provided the space and topsoil, cgn provided information, start up assistance and advice.	Community House coordinator reports that it has been a good way to bring the community together.
11	Chateau Donald Community Garden	Ottawa Community Housing Corporation provides root-tilling, soil amendment (compost, peat moss) and raised beds.	Local Tenants Association will match $ for $ to max $300.00	Temporary - City of Ottawa Property	NA	NA
12	Debra Dynes Community Garden	NA	NA	City of Ottawa	CGN/RJC, Ottawa Community Housing Corp, Social Action Committee of local Tenants' Assoc, Carlington CHS.	A collective approach meant to foster social inclusion and food security.
13	Lepage Community Garden	Ottawa Community Housing Corporation	NA	City of Ottawa	CGN/RJC, Ottawa Community Housing Corp, Social Action Committee of local Tenants' Assoc, Carlington CHS.	NA
14	Nanny Goat Hill Community Garden	Indirectly - via composting signage & water barrels produced by the CGN/RJC with City funding, and compost delivery until last year. Directly - City provides annual user agreement for use of the site. Water access via standing pipe left after demolition of adjacent property.	TD Friends of the Environment for pilot compost project; Centretown CHC provides meeting space, community development/mediation support; Richcraft Development Corp donated stones for garden borders from nearby construction site.	Temporary: was yr to yr, current lease period May 2002-Dec 31 2004 @ $1/32 mths.	CGN/RJC, Elisabeth Fry Society has a plot, Shepherds of Good Hope beneficiaries of produce, Bronson Centre offers discounted rates for space rental; Inukshuk built by individuals from the neighbouring Inuit Friendship Centre who use the community garden as a community space.	Host of 2002 CGN/RJC Harvest Celebration.
15	Strathcona Heights Community Garden	Indirectly - via composting signage and rain barrels produced by the CGN/RJC with City funding, and compost delivery until last year.	Original funding for garden came from Province of Ontario Public Health.	OCHC land	CGN/RJC; Strathcona Heights Tenants Assoc; Co-op Voisin provides meeting space, photocopying, electrical outlet for charging whipper snipper.	Limited community participation, current beautification project underway, plans for path system that's wheelchair accessible.
16	Sweet Willow Community Garden	Indirectly - via composting signage and rain barrels produced by the CGN/RJC with City funding.	None	Permanent/Secure - situated in raised beds on top of apartment / townhome heating plant.	CGN/RJC; CCOC provides water access and meeting space; Alex Laidlaw provided the evestroughing to directs rainwater from nearby rooftops to water barrels in garden.	Non-gardeners from nearby residences use compost system; garden is a community gathering space.
17	River Side Park Community Garden	Materials donated through Clean Up the Capital Campaign i.e.. Rakes, gloves, bags/bench donated by former City of Ottawa.	NA	Loaned from firehall; no formal agreement with City. Temporary	NA	.NA
18	DOG (Downtown Ottawa Garden)	Land/water (stand pipe)	Youth from Youth Program at Hunt Club Riverside Community Services Centre maintain the vegetable garden. Produce is shared with five groups.	There will be an agreement with the City but this has not hasn't been signed yet.	Centretown Community Health Centre hired part time coordinator to get garden going (this contract is almost finished).	City has agreement with Richcraft to create the space for the garden, but currently it is being used as a parking lot by developers. RPAM has dealt with Richcraft regarding development.
19	Gloucester Allotment Garden Association	They receive no financial support from the new City of Ottawa. The City of Ottawa/Gloucester maintains the access roadways at both sites, repairs under-ground breaks in the Orient water system and stores the water troughs for the Anderson Rd. site during the winter months. Until last year, the Region/Gloucester supplied free compost and they paid for trucking and distribution.	No other funding sources except member fees.	City owns the land at the Orient Park site while the NCC owns the land at the Anderson site.	Some gardeners donate food to the local food bank and to the Shepherds of Good Hope. The Association has offered free plots to local residents geared to-income housing.	NA
20	City of Ottawa Allotment Garden (Dempsey Allotment Gardens)	City provides financial assistance for those unable to pay full amount, approx $2,500/yr. City staff manage allocation of gardens and sheds-program revenues help to pay for grass cutting and pre-post clean-up, go-huts, shed maintenance/repairs, paper work i.e..: renewal of contracts, mailing, hardware for repairs, printing.	Program runs on break even basis.	City land.	They provide free gardens to: St. Vincent Hospital, Centre de Transition Communautaire.	NA
21	Nepean Allotment Garden Assocation	- City takes away trash bins and empties. - City pays for water and water repairs. - Liaison with Community Services, Area 1 South Dis-trict, provides in kind services i.e. mails applications and newsletters.	None	City property Registered with the City.	Individuals donate their produce to local agencies.	NA
22	Youth Services Bureau (YSB) Community Garden	None	United Way Youth Action Grant - one youth was interested and wrote grant application. Received $1,800 for lumber and soil to create a raised garden.	YSB	CGN and YSB	YSB house coordinator reports that they're not sure where they would have gone for funding if the garden didn't have a youth focus, as there is not much money for projects like this.

VARIABLE

WARD

1 Orleans

2 Innes

3 Bell-South Nepean

4 Kanata

5 West Carleton

6 Goulbourn

7 Bay

8 Baseline

9 Knoxdale - Merrivale

10 Gloucester-Southgate

11 Beacon Hill-Cyrville

12 Rideau-Vanier

13 Rideau Rockcliffe

14 Somerset

15 Kitchissippi

16 River

17 Capital

18 Alta Vista

19 Rural Cumberland

20 Osgoode

21 Rideau

% 2001 Low-Income Families

% 2001 Immigrant Population

% 2001 Seniors 60+

High Population Density

Waiting Lists or High Demand (where gardens exist)

Ottawa Food Banks

Community Health & Resource Centres

Community Gardens (including Allotment Gardens)

(1)

(2)

(1)

(2)

(4)

(5)

(1)

Available Space

Legend:
% 2001 Low-Income Families =	Wards with over 17.9% of families considered low-income
% 2001 Immigrant Population =	Wards with 25% to 35% of population which are immigrants
% 2001 Seniors 60+ =	Wards with 20.1% to 30% Seniors 60+ as % of total population
High Population Density =	Wards with 2600 to 7500 persons/sqkm

COUNCIL POLICY RESOLUTION – KITCHENER ONTARIO

POLICY NUMBER: I‑400 DATE: OCTOBER 4, 1999

amended: JULY 2, 2002

POLICY TYPE: FACILITY

SUBJECT: COMMUNITY GARDENS

POLICY CONTENT:

1. General

For the purpose of this policy community garden is defined as a place where people come together to grow fruits, flowers and vegetables on a non‑commercial basis. These are different from allotment gardens, which involve the leasing of public lands to individuals for the specific purpose of growing food for personal consumption or sale.

The City of Kitchener recognizes that while gardeners participate in community gardening for a number of reasons including financial, environmental, social and political, the benefits of community gardens are far reaching. Some of these benefits include community building, creation of green space, city beautification and education.

a) The City of Kitchener recognizes community gardens as a community development activity.

b) Community gardens in the City of Kitchener will be developed and run by community groups with the City acting in a facilitation and support role.

c) The Building Community Gardens Manual will be used as a guide for community gardening in the City of Kitchener.

d) In engaging in gardening activities, community gardeners at all times will protect their own safety and the safety of others.

e) The City of Kitchener will facilitate and support community gardens in the following ways:

i) Assist community groups in finding suitable sites for the development of community gardens. Suitable sites may include under-utilized public and private lands, as well as parklands, community centres, schoolyards, boulevards, and cul-de-sac bulbs. Storm water management areas are not considered suitable sites for community gardens.

ii) Encourage developers to make available suitable land for community gardens as part of the overall design of subdivisions, senior citizens complexes and homes. This should not necessarily be in excess of the required park land dedication.

iii) Set up a land trust and encourage landowners to dedicate lands as permanent community garden sites.

iv) Assist in the development of user agreements for City owned lands.

v) Assist with advertising and promoting community gardens events.

vi) Liaise, when possible, with property owners on behalf of community gardens.

vii) Assist with gardening advice on set up and with coordination of community garden projects.

viii) Establish a small fund for start‑up costs, normally not to exceed $1000.00 per garden, and provide water sources, when available, that can be easily accessed by gardeners.

ix) Provide, subject to the availability of staff, equipment and material, rotatillers and transportation of topsoil and compost if community gardeners are unable to provide this on their own.

f) Where cul-de-sac bulbs and boulevards are used for community gardens the following conditions will apply:

i) A neighbourhood consultation process will take place to determine support for the garden

ii) These areas will not be used for growing food

iii) Gardeners can obtain engineering drawings from the City's Development and Technical Services Department to determine the location of City in‑ground structures before planting. Gardeners must "call before they dig" to determine the location of all in‑ground structures

iv) Gardening activities must not take place on the road and plants must not obstruct roads and sidewalks.

v) Plantings in boulevards must not exceed a maximum height of 0.5 metres.

vi) Plantings in cul‑de‑sac bulbs must not exceed a maximum height of 0.7 metres and must be shorter at the edge of the bulb to ensure visibility is not obstructed.

vii) Plantings in both boulevards and cul‑de‑sac bulbs must have a minimum horizontal clearance of 1.2 metres from all utilities.

viii) Gardeners will be responsible for providing their own water when gardening in cul‑de‑sac bulbs and boulevards.

g) Where parklands are used for community gardens the following conditions will apply:

i) A neighbourhood consultation process will take place to determine support for the garden.

ii) The garden must operate in harmony with other activities in the park.

iii) The garden site showing the plot layout and any structures and fences must be drawn up and approved by the Manager of Operations. Structures must not require a building permit (must be less than 107 square feet) and must be easily movable.

iv) Garden plots must be allotted in a fair and equitable manner. Public access to the park must not be denied.

v) All maintenance standards of the Operations Division must be adhered to.

vi) Gardeners must be responsible for the on going maintenance of the garden including grass cutting and trimming and all arrangements for waste management and disposal.

2. Roles and Responsibilities of Various Departments

Although it is evident that a number of departments have a role to play in facilitating the community gardens initiative there is a demonstrated need for a community gardens facilitator on staff. This individual will be the contact between the community and the various departments involved in the community gardens initiative, will assist with community garden startups and administer user agreement. Initially, it is recommended that this individual be hired on contract during the growing season.

Suggested departmental roles and responsibilities are as follows:

a) Community Services Department

· Supply equipment, trucks, rototillers, compost, subject to the availability of staff, equipment and material

· Provide garden advice on set up

b) Development and Technical Services Department

· Site plan, site history and zoning

· Land ownership

· Provide advice on water resources and connection

· Provide engineering drawings

· Help set up user agreements for City owned lands

c) Legal Services

· Help set up user agreements for the City owned lands

[1] New York Times, January 6, 2004, On Crime as Science, by Dan Hurley, Summary of study led by Dr Fenton Earls

[2] Benefits of Gardening in the City of Toronto, Community Gardens Program Toolkit, Toronto Parks and Recreation, August 2002

[3] “Community Gardens: Growing More Than Vegetables”, Canadian Health Network, Health Canada Publication, May 2004

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS AMENDED

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

Community Gardening Program Action Plan

1. Identification and Access to Community Garden Space

OCHC land

Average Garden Profile

Variables

Recommendations of the Community Garden Network Draft Development Plan

First Priority Target Areas

WARD

COUNCIL POLICY RESOLUTION – KITCHENER ONTARIO

Linda Lalonde, Chair, Poverty Issues Advisory Committee supported the staff recommendations and highlighted the fact that NCC and Federal Government lands should also be accessible for community gardens across the city.