Rent one of 35 garden plots at Germain Park to plant and grow your own garden. Garden plot rentals can be made online beginning March 16 for the season running May 1 to October 31, annually.

Garden Plot Information

Garden Plot Map

The Germain Garden Plots are located in Germain Park and are best accessed through the parking lot and entrance off East Street North, by the Fire Station.

The garden plots are each numbered with stakes based on the Garden Plot Map to easily locate your plot in the garden area.

Germain Garden Plot map

Rental Rates

Each garden plot for the season costs $51.50 +HST.

Terms and Conditions

  • This rental contract is valid for the season of May 1 to October 31.
  • The Renter shall contact the proper authorities via 9-1-1 for emergencies or Sarnia Police at 519-344-8861. After contacting the appropriate authorities, the Renter is requested to contact City staff at 519-332-0330 ext 5905 to ensure City awareness and, if necessary, response.
  • Should the Renter observe immediate issues or safety concerns (i.e., sharps/needles, broken items, access issues), please contact
    City staff at 519-332-0330 ext 5905.
  • Should the Renter observe any By-law violations (e.g. driving on grass), please contact Sarnia By-law Enforcement at 519-332-0330 ext 3301 or bylawenforcement@sarnia.ca as they are occurring.
  • The Renter shall report any non-emergency or maintenance issues to Parks and Recreation Administrative staff at 519-332-0330 ext 3750 or parksandrecreation@sarnia.ca.
  • All participants must conform and adhere to all rules and regulations within By-Law #206 of 1999, as well as other applicable City ByLaws or Policies. Fines may be issued for violations.
  • No alcohol is permitted.
  • The Renter acknowledges that they accept the facility on an as-is, where-is basis. It is the responsibility of the Renter to inspect and approve the condition of the facility immediately prior to their use of the facility.
  • Disrespect by the Renter for the property or rights of others will result in this contract being cancelled and all rights forfeited without compensation to the Renter.
  • The plot is approximately 20’ x 20’ and are numbered with stakes. The numbered stakes must remain in the plot.
  • The Renter is responsible for maintaining their plot free of weeds, as well as half of the pathways adjoining their garden plot. Failure to comply will result in a warning letter. If the situation is not corrected, this contract will be cancelled and all rights forfeited without compensation to the Renter.
  • The Renter is required to supply their own garden tools.
  • The planting of marijuana or any invasive species of plant is strictly prohibited on City property.
  • No significant site alterations shall be made to the plot without prior approval of City staff, such as installing fencing or posts, etc.
  • Garden plots must be cleared by October 31.
  • Please refer to the City’s Payments and Cancellations Policy at www.sarnia.ca/play/rentals for more details.
  • The City is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen goods or money.
  • All participants must adhere to applicable City of Sarnia policies and by-laws.
  • The consumption of any drugs on the premises is strictly prohibited and, as per the Smoke Free Ontario Act, the smoking of tobacco in public places, including any portion of the premise, is prohibited.

FAQs

When does the garden season run?

The garden season runs from May 1 to October 31, annually, and is weather permitting.

All garden plots must be cleared by October 31. Any items left in the garden plots after this date will be removed by staff and could result in the gardener from being prohibited from future rentals.

How big is each plot?

Each garden plot is approximately 20′ x 20′.

Do I need to provide my own compost?

We provide a few loads of compost at the communal compost area for all gardeners at the start of the season.

If you need additional compost, you would be required to supply your own.

What can I plant in my plot?

The Germain Garden Plots were created for the purpose of providing members of the community a place to plant and grow their own garden, including vegetables, fruits, and plants.

The planting of marijuana or any invasive species of plant is strictly prohibited.

Is the plot maintained by staff?

Before and after the garden season, staff will rototill all plots. Maintenance throughout the season (i.e. weeding, watering) is the responsibility of the gardener.

Gardeners are responsible for ensuring their plot remains free of weeds as well as half of the pathways adjoining their plot. Failure to keep your plot free of weeds may result in termination of your rental contract.

Can I install a fence around my plot?

No. Significant garden plot alterations, including  erecting a fence or removing the numbered stake, are not permitted unless approval has been granted by staff. Please contact parksandrecreation@sarnia.ca prior to making any changes to your garden plot.

Can I drive up to my plot?

No. Driving on grass or service roads in public parks is prohibited under the Parks By-Law #206 of 1999. Violation of this could result in fines and termination of your rental contract.

The closest parking lot is at the Fire Station off East Street North.

What happens if my garden is damaged or stolen from?

The Germain Garden Plots are located in a public park and are accessible to the community. While the City makes reasonable efforts to maintain the garden area, it cannot guarantee the security of crops, tools, or other personal belongings left at the garden plots.

Gardeners are responsible for their own crops, tools, and personal property. Any suspected theft, vandalism, or intentional damage should be reported to the Sarnia Police Service. We also ask that plot holders notify the City of any concerns so that we can document and monitor the situation.

Are tools supplied?

No. Gardeners are responsible for supplying their own garden tools.

Do I have access to water?

Yes. There is water available throughout the garden plot area for gardeners to use.

Who do I contact if I notice something unsafe in the garden plots?

For any by-law violations (e.g. driving on grass, encampments), please contact Sarnia By-law Enforcement at 519-332-0330 ext. 3301 or bylawenforcement@sarnia.ca.

For any immediate safety concerns (e.g. broken glass, running water), please call staff at 519-332-0330.

For emergencies, please call 911.

Additional Information

Need help?

Need help booking a Germain Garden Plot? Consult our Germain Garden Plot how-to document.

To speak to staff, call 519-332-0330 ext. 3750 or email facilityrentals@sarnia.ca.