Discussion:

The Community Gardens on Municipal Property Policy was up for review in August 2019. Meetings were held internally to go over the Policy and proposed changes were discussed. Informal discussion was also held with the community groups operating the community gardens on municipal property to offer an opportunity for them to provide feedback on the Policy.

The following are the major changes proposed to the Community Gardens on Municipal Property Policy:

The following responsibilities were added to the role of the Environment & Sustainability Coordinator:

• In consultation with the Parks department, define and review community garden design guidelines.

• In consultation with the Parks department, work with the applicant to finalize site plan.

• Complete and document semi-annual inspections of all Community Gardens on municipal property.

The following responsibilities were added to the role of the Parks department:

• Provide garbage facilities at their discretion and as resources permit to the Community Gardens.

• Assist the Applicants to conduct public consultation requirements for potential Community Gardens in parks as determined by the Community Garden Committee.

The following responsibilities were added to the role of Real Estate Services:

• Create and maintain a list of vacant municipal properties that are recommended by administration for Community Gardens. 

In the updated Policy, as part of the Site Selection Process, garden site plans are not to include structures such as compost bins or storage sheds.

The following changes were made to the Conditions of Use:

• Community Garden boxes must conform to administrative design standards.

• Native Plants are encouraged at the Community Garden site to promote pollinator habitat. Invasive plants are prohibited.

• Impervious area should be limited encouraging the infiltration of storm water except where warranted for minimum accessibility considerations.

Risk Analysis:

No significant or critical risks exist from updating the Community Gardens on Municipal Property Policy. There are seven community gardens operating on City property in good standing with the City of Windsor.

It is noted in the Financial Matters section of this report that the Parks Department currently absorbs the cost to provide services for the gardens although there is no