With the cost of living rising and people moving out of large homes into smaller spaces, the need for a community garden program is bigger than ever.
There were 21 new community garden beds installed at the Eastview Park garden in Barrie on Saturday, including two that are raised so they’re more accessible for gardeners with mobility issues. The project was kickstarted by Urban Pantry, who applied for and received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to fund it.
“People who have moved from a home residence, so they don’t have a yard anymore, are able to get out and enjoy a garden,” said Kim Keckes, urban agriculture co-ordinator with Urban Pantry. “Giving people the opportunity to grow some of their own food creates a family and community activity.”
This will be the fourth garden in the City of Barrie's Community Garden Program. Plots are doled out by the City of Barrie, and hold an annual fee of $20 plus HST for a single plot (five feet by 15 feet) and $50 plus HST for a double plot (10 feet by 15 feet).
Current gardeners must re-register for their same plot annually by Oct. 31. New gardener registrations are accepted starting Nov. 1 annually for the next year.
Prior to the new gardens being installed this year, there was a wait list to get in on the two existing gardens in town.
“There’s been a waiting list for the city’s community gardens for years and years. We knew there was definitely a need,” said Keckes.
The Barrie Woodworking Club constructed the garden plots in the morning on Saturday.
“They needed volunteers to do the wood-build part,” said Garry Hagerman, director at large for the club, adding this marked the fifth build the club has done and about 14 members participated.
As the club is currently without a home, Hagerman said the club donated their time in hopes the city may be able to help them come up with a space.
“We did this because we wanted them to see there’s value to a woodworking club, beyond just the members being able to do their own work, but also helping with community work,” he said.
While the Eastview Park community garden is the last one to be installed this year, there are three more planned to be installed next year.
“Gardens create community. Food is a common denominator for all of us,” said Keckes. “I think the awareness of creating local, sustainable food systems is important, as well as creating opportunities for people in the community to grow their own food.”
For more information on the Community Garden Program or to apply for a plot, click here.
