Community Gardens

Policy

In October 2008, Council approved a Community Gardens Policy. The goals of the Policy are:

1. To support the Township of Esquimalt’s commitment to sustainability and food security
2. To allow Esquimalt residents of all ages and backgrounds to garden in a community context where they can improve their quality of life and their natural environment.

Task Force (Esquimalt Community Gardens Society)

In December 2009, Council directed the establishment of a Community Gardens Task Force to look at opportunities for a community garden in the Township. The Task Force comprises six members: two from the Environmental Advisory Committee, two from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and two from the community.

This March 11th Presentation outlines the roles and objectives of the Task Force.

For more information on Community Gardens, click here to view a brochure.

For the latest updates, visit the Esquimalt Community Gardens Society on  Blogger or  Facebook.

Potential Sites

At the April 12, 2010 regular meeting of Committee of the Whole, the Task Force made its recommendations, including a report and presentation, consisting of six potential allotment-style gardening sites.

The Committee moved that municipal staff work with the Task Force to select one of five potential sites:

1. Anderson Park – 835 Colville Road
2. Colville Property – between 1086 and 1100 Colville Road
3. École Victor-Brodeur – 637 Head Street
4. Esquimalt Teen Centre - 535 Fraser Street
5. Fraser Property - 537 Fraser Street

Public Consultation

The Task Force sought public input on potential garden sites using an online survey and at three community events in April. In May, the Task Force canvassed the neighbourhood and held an Open House for the Anderson Park Community Garden.

Anderson Park Community Garden

Anderson Park was selected as the first community garden in Esquimalt. The goal of the Anderson Park Community Garden is to create a demonstration of allotment gardening in one-tenth of the park space (approx. 300 sq. meters). Plans for the project will include a shared community garden opportunity. 

Plots and Volunteers  
If you wish to enquire about availability of a plot or volunteer opportunties, please Email the Esquimalt Community Gardens Society. Apartment dwellers are prioritized for a plot, but residents that are renting in a house and have no access to a yard are also eligible.

When spaces are available, the criteria for selection of members include the following:
1. Esquimalt resident.
2. Reside in an apartment building or renter in a house and does not have access to a yard.
3. Living radius to the garden.
4. Willingness to volunteer - which includes that the plot owner agrees to share responsibility with other members in the general up-keep and maintenance of the garden and participate in some public events (times are flexible).
5. Year round use of the plot (there will be workshops that teach winter and fall gardening).

Plots have an annual membership fee of $60 which cover the basic expenses of maintaining the garden, such as water and insurance. The initial payment will be valid until May 24th, 2011.

If you are interested in membership only (open to all), no plot (which covers access to workshops and volunteering) the annual fee is $5; and this covers personal injury insurance.

News Releases