The City of Sarnia Community Services Division is excited to announce the implementation of our NEW Neighbourhood Community Garden Program and Policy! This policy’s purpose is to provide parameters and guidelines for groups and organizations interested in operating community gardens in city parks. The policy is comprehensive and ensures clear roles and responsibilities as well as criteria to ensure new gardens are sustainable.
Pre-approved Neighbourhood Community Garden locations are listed below and are currently ideal for garden implementations. Other Park spaces may be considered; however, the agreement may be subject to adjustments depending on the proposed location.
History
On April 19, 2021, Sarnia City Council directed staff to develop a policy for the creation and use of Community Gardens in City Parks and return to Council on May 31, 2021 with a draft for community consultation and input. On May 31, 2021, Sarnia City Council direct staff to review the Draft Community Garden Policy with existing Community Garden users and post all information to Speak Up Sarnia for review by the broader community, and that Sarnia City Council direct staff to return to the July 12, 2021 Council meeting with a final Policy for consideration to guide the Neighbourhood Community Garden Program moving forward. Community consultation took place for this policy between May 28 to June 28, 2021 on the Speak Up Sarnia website.
Application Process
If you’re interested in creating a Neighbourhood Community Garden, please review the Neighbourhood Community Gardens Policy in depth below which outlines the responsibilities and terms of the program and fill out the Neighbourhood Community Garden Application. Applications can be submitted before March 1st to parksandrecreation@sarnia.ca for review by Recreation and Park staff, who will contact the applicant should any issues arise.
- Applications shall be submitted by March 1 of each year for 1 year use and can be renewed for a 3 year period afterwards.
- On-site meeting with the applicants to identify and discuss the parameters as outlined in this document will be arranged prior to final approval.
- All applicants must have one main contact, a secondary contact, and a minimum of 10 community members who are prepared to actively participate in the project.
- Applicants must provide a proposed Site Plan attached to the application and be willing and accepting to any alterations the City may require.
Pre-Approved Neighbourhood Garden Locations
The following parks have been considered to host a new community garden over the next 5 years, and have the appropriate requirements in place to host a successful garden:
- McGibbon Park
- Germain Park (Pending)
- Canatara Park (Pending – nearby Derby Lane)
- Kathleen Park
- Mike Weir Park
Current Established Neighbourhood Gardens
- Hanna Park Neighbourhood Garden
- Avondale Park Neighbourhood Garden
*Please note these gardens do not guarantee produce being open to the public.