Option 1: Status Quo

This option would include no change to the existing Policy, as detailed in Appendix A. In accordance with the Policy, the community gardens license is entered into between the City and a licensee (the “Licensee”). The Licensee is responsible for the operation of the entire community garden, and no other individuals unrelated to the Licensee are permitted to use any portion of the garden.

In consultation with existing Licensees, they believe the gardens are a vehicle for leadership development and would like the opportunity to continue with the type of partnership they’ve had with the City over the years. At this time, there is no annual cost for use of the garden charged by the City. The individual Licensees are free to determine how they run their gardens, the cost to the gardener, the plot assignments, the types of gardens, etc. The development and upkeep of a community garden is also the responsibility of the Licensee. The City continues to provide assistance with procurement of mulch and water for the gardens. This year with the heightened challenges of COVID, the Parks department has also provided support with plowing and tilling of 2 community gardens: Derwent Park (City supported Community Garden); and Unemployed Help Centre’s garden.

Pros:

This option has been proven to work in our community, on a small scale. With 6 community gardens under this model currently in place, we have had no major issues. The Environment and Sustainability Coordinator does not have extensive work to do with established gardens, beyond monitoring and communicating any important messages to the contact person for the Licensee.

Cons:

This current option only allows for a single Licensee to use each community garden, and leaves other individuals without the ability to use a smaller portion of a garden. Potential Licensees may also be unable to pay for the cost of insurance under the current Policy.

Generally, the costs associated with the building of a community garden also falls on the Licensee, with exception of gardens that have been enhanced due to parks redevelopment projects (ex. moving the community garden at Bruce Ave to Caron Ave.). The start-ups can be significant for non-profit groups working to develop a community garden.

Option 2: City Led Community Gardens

This option would include changes that would require the Environment & Sustainability Coordinator taking the lead on the gardens, with an entity or an individual acting as the community garden coordinator (the “Community Garden Coordinator”) at each respective garden. Any existing Licensees could continue to operate the gardens they are currently managing as Community Garden Coordinators, if they desired.

In the late 1980s, and early 1990s, the City of Windsor had a City Led Community Garden program. Under this program, the City coordinated with the individual gardeners. This program was very labour intensive for Administration. However, to reduce this risk, it is recommended under Option 2 that a Community Garden Coordinator be required for each community garden.