What is a Community Garden?
A community garden is a shared lot on city property where community members come together to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers for personal consumption or donation. Community gardens offer a variety of benefits to the nutritional health and the social health environments of the community. The promotion of increased fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and the influence of social networks from the community garden results in a healthier lifestyle.
Establishing a Community Garden
Organizations and community groups based in the City of Niagara Falls can apply to start-up a community garden on municipal property. Applications are reviewed by the Environmental Action Committee throughout the year. If successful in the application process, City Staff will work with the successful group to ensure the installation is successful. There are various City owned land sites for where community groups can choose to install a garden. Current approved municipal sites are as follows:
- MacBain Community Centre (currently operated by the Links For Greener Learning Organization)
- Prince Charles Park
- Westfield Park
- Houck Park
- Rosberg Park
- Meadowvale Park
- Weaver Park
There are various responsibilities to the community group to consider while preparing to complete an application. These responsibilities are identified in the Community Garden Agreement and Community Garden Policy. Please ensure to review these documents prior to committing to start the application process.
Apply Now
Community organizations interested in starting a community garden will apply through the online Community Garden Application. The application will be available to access throughout the year. Once the application is approved, the application will then go through the appropriate departments for final review. Once the application is successfully reviewed, Staff will create a Community Garden Agreement that the applicant will sign and follow through the development and operating life span of the community garden.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Capacity to support long term maintenance/operation
- Demonstrated ability of the group to complete similar projects
- Project reach/audience, including at-risk populations
- Project supports engagement or is going to be completed through collaboration or partnership with other organizations, groups, or the public.
- Ability to leverage other funds
Prepare all necessary items such as:
- Contact and organization information (available for charities, non-profits and organized groups to apply).
- Background of organization.
- Experience with volunteer engagement and staff support.
- Location of garden installation/enhancement.
- Description of design and site plan.
- Proposed budget and additional funding partner listing.
- Work plan for community garden (operational logistics)
Click Here to Apply to Develop a Community Garden
For more information, please contact:
Jeff Guarasci
Community Development Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 905-356-7521 ext.3341
