The Garden City Handbook

THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK Table of Contents Acknowledgements: Acknowledgements Preface Thank you to: Introduction: The City of Gardens Trina Allinotte UVic Campus Community Gardens PART I: The Changing Face of the Capital Region 5 Sylvia Austin James Bay Allotment Garden 1.0 Addressing Growth 5 Michael Bodman Royal Roads University 1.1 Changing Community Needs 5 Marla Brownhill Craigflower Community Garden 1.2 Democratic Public Spaces 6 Dean Fortin Gorge Community Centre 1.3 Food Access 6 Geoff Johnson Compost Education Centre 1.4 Agricultural Land and Expertise 7 Paul Mably Fernwood Community Garden 1.5 Community Gardens & Food Security 7 Peggy Mohrfeld Michigan Street Community Garden David Stott West Shore Community Services PART II: Community Gardens in the Capital Region 8 Rob Wipond Michigan Street Community Garden 2.0 Township of Esquimalt 8 Cathy Wetton Agnes Street Community Garden 2.1 District of Saanich 8 Thanks to the community gardeners who 2.2 District of Oak Bay 9 took the time to fill out the survey. 2.3 Town of View Royal 10 2.4 City of Victoria 10 Special thanks to Linda Geggie (Lifecycles/ 2.5 Western Communities 10 Groundworks) and Michael M’Gonigle (POLIS Project) for editing assistance. 2.6 Community Gardens Survey 11 Thank you to the POLIS Project, University of Victoria, PART III: Land Tenure Options 12 the Vancouver Foundation and the McLean Foundation 3.0 Private Land and Leases 12 for making the production of these publications possible. 3.1 Government and Institutional Land 12 3.2 City Parks 13 3.3 Land Trusts 14 3.4 Conservation Covenants 15 3.5 Utilizing Policy and Planning Tools 15

PART IV: How to Start and Protect a Community Garden 16 4.0 Starting Out Right 16 4.1 Identifying a Site 16 4.2 Criteria for a Community Garden Site 17 4.3 Steps Toward Land Acquisition 18

PART V: Recommendations for Community Garden Success 22

APPENDIX A: Community Gardens of Greater Victoria 24

APPENDIX B: Helpful Organizations Within Greater Victoria 25 Helpful Organizations Outside Greater Victoria 26

THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 1 Preface

“I sense, among everyone who In the spring of 2001, I met with sev- Yet the group of GHAG gardeners who has had a hand in saving Troy eral gardeners from the Gordon Head kept visiting the municipal hall and Community Gardens, a huge Allotment Gardens (GHAG) to discuss kept believing that their communi- longing to trade despair for hope...I with them how to protect their garden ty garden had tremendous value, both sense a kinship deeper than any from development. There was already personally and for the neighbourhood, superficial difference. And I have considerable water under the bridge – did make some headway. They tackled faith that if we can learn to grow the garden was on the verge of being the most important issue – how to pro- beans, we can learn to share this sold, so long as a rezoning application tect community gardens before they are green earth together in peace” was approved, and the gardeners had threatened with development. been evicted from the land. Marge Pitts, Troy Gardens Journal It was working with this group, and Collection (Madison WI) While there were over 200 gardeners another group of gardeners that suc- involved with GHAG, only a handful cessfully protected their garden, that remained committed to trying to pre- led to the creation of this publication. serve it. This was not for lack of interest It became apparent that land was often – initially many gardeners had worked the source of great difficulty – not only together, written letters and organized protecting it, but simply finding space presentations. But the group had divid- to start a community garden. ed. Some gardeners wanted to look for It is my hope that this publication will an alternative site and some wanted to serve multiple purposes. First, it will save what they had. Over time, many draw attention to community gardens people found other places to garden, or as important contributors to social and simply gave up. environmental health. Second, it will The story of the Gordon Head Al- provide a written resource for com- lotment Gardens is common. A land munity gardeners to assist them in owner, for any number of reasons, de- handling the difficult question of land cides to sell land that has been leased tenure. Finally, it will provide a step- on a temporary basis to community ping stone within the Capital Region, gardeners. A struggle of attrition be- to move toward ensuring that com- gins that citizens and volunteers have munity gardens are protected for the a minimal chance of winning, particu- long-term. larly because legally, the land owner has no obligation to allow the community garden to continue to exist.

2 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 3 Introduction

Making Room for Community Gardens them, they make an important con- Community gardens are equally pop- Victoria has a well-earned reputation tribution to resolving the increasingly ular with medium and high income as the City of Gardens. The region is complex challenges facing Canadian people who do not have a place to gar- home to numerous spectacular pub- cities and suburbs. Contemporary cit- den. Senior citizens who no longer lic gardens, drawing tourists from ies will inevitably continue to grow; have yards find recreational and - so around the world. The streets of Vic- the difficulty arises with how to ensure cial opportunities through community toria are lined with blossoming trees a high quality of life for all urban cit- gardens. Young families living in town- and verdant flowering baskets; care- izens. houses, youth looking to develop skills, fully tended private gardens are found and people with mobility challenges all When development booms, green and throughout the region. Gardening cul- benefit from community gardens. open spaces shrink and farmland disap- ture thrives in Victoria. pears. At the same time, the numbers In cities with shrinking green space and Yet in the midst of this abundance, of people without access to sufficient ever more distant farmland, communi- Greater Victoria has lost two horticul- nutrition are growing, programs serv- ty gardens provide opportunities to tural treasures since 2001. Last year, ing people in need are disappearing reconnect with the land, with one an- after 27 years, the ten acre Gordon and more people are living in multiple other and with the process of growing Head Allotment Gardens were rezoned unit housing without access to land. food. When community gardens are for the development of primarily single linked into programming for schools Community gardens are not just places family homes. and community services, their advan- to garden, they offer a whole host of tages multiply. Also in 2001, Our Backyard, the on- opportunities to a broad range of peo- ly community garden in the heart of ple. They assist low income people by The benefits of community gardens downtown Victoria was sold for de- providing much needed healthy fresh are measurable. They may be meas- velopment. Created in 1996, with the food. Community gardens are linking ured through the families, friends and assistance of the local nonprofit organ- with food banks, providing fresh lo- strangers they feed, the educational ization Lifecycles, Our Backyard was a cal produce. In some cities, those who opportunities – formal and informal small pocket garden. It was unique be- use food banks are becoming gardeners – they offer, and the health and com- cause of its highly urban location and themselves, a self-esteem building and munity building opportunities they its accessibility for low income and self-help alternative to the traditional create. However, the values that these homeless gardeners. food bank. gardens instill, the knowledge and pleasure that they impart, are intangible Although community gardens may and immeasurable but no less significant seem like a peripheral issue to those as contributions. who do not participate in

2 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 3 What is a Community Garden? About This Publication dense areas. This publication provides Community gardens are defined in Considering Greater Victoria’s gar- information, guidance and suggestions a variety of ways, sometimes for the dening culture, there is a surprising to begin a process of legitimizing com- purposes of a municipality or non- paucity of knowledge about communi- munity gardens as a valuable land use, profit organization and sometimes for ty gardens within the region. Based on and to move toward protecting them the sake of clarity in literature. At the its “green” optics, there is a misconcep- in perpetuity. broadest level, a community garden is tion that Greater Victoria has no need While there are guides available to as- a garden where people share the basic for community gardens. In Victoria, as sist community gardeners with the resources of land, water, and sunlight.1 in most modern cities, many people do daily management of gardens – from This definition includes both allot- not have access to land or to sufficient organizing meetings to composting – ment gardens, and gardens where nutritious food. the Garden City Handbook addresses 4 land is tended collectively (sometimes In places as diverse as Regina, Hal- the challenge of access to land. The referred to as a commons). The major- ifax, Inuvik, Toronto and Nelson Handbook is also intended to provide ity of community gardens are divided citizens are digging in to create com- guidance for community organizations into allotments – plots are assigned munity gardens. However, in those and governments about the status and to individuals or families to garden North American cities with long-last- needs of community gardens in the re- and harvest. ing, abundant and vibrant community gion. Most community gardens charge a gardens, the gardens are supported by The Garden City Handbook assesses nominal fee for access to water, for local government or through nonprof- the current circumstances of commu- 3 tools and other expenses. Most also it organizations. Community gardens nity gardens, summarizes possible land require that gardeners participate in are a significant element of efforts to tenure arrangements and outlines general garden maintenance (paths, create healthy and livable communi- steps for starting and protecting shared areas, food bank plots etc.) and ties. For minimal expense, community gardens. Finally, a series of recom- that they attend some garden meetings gardens have provided cities with im- mendations for improving access to or work parties. mense payoffs. land and increasing the security of community gardens are made. The Ap- Administration of gardens varies, as As Greater Victoria grows, its commu- pendices include a list of local gardens does the degree of broader community nities have the opportunity to ensure and helpful organizations within and involvement. Some gardens have a vol- that community gardens are a part of beyond Greater Victoria. untary elected committee that handles our neighbourhoods – particularly in finances, leases and other collective decision-making. Other gardens are partially administered through a municipal department. In some cases, these departments also assist gardeners with organizing events and implementing programming. The majority of community gardens provide some portion of their produce to local food banks and shelters. Some gardens do this in- formally and others have designated areas of the garden dedicated to this service. Many community gardens host educational workshops or serve as formal demonstration sites. Some gardens organize community events such as seed swaps and harvest parties. All of the gardens in Greater Victoria are open to the public as places for walking, sitting, learning, socializing or reflecting.2

4 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 5 PART I The Changing Face of the Capital Region

1.0 Addressing growth es as diverse as England, Denmark, multiple-unit or rented housing often In 1998, the Capital Regional District Cuba and the United States – commu- do not have access to garden space. published a report intended to reflect nity gardens have become a permanent In addition, municipalities across the collective concerns with future growth. part of the urban landscape. region are committed to urban con- Framework for Our Future formed In June of 2001, Denmark created tainment boundaries to concentrate the basis of what is now the Regional legislation to permanently protect all growth. Between 1996 and 2018, the Growth Strategy for Greater Victoria.5 gardens located on government land.7 housing supply is forecast to shift from While differing opinions remain about Seattle, as part of their comprehensive over 50% single detached, to 31% sin- the legitimacy and efficacy of the urban sustainability planning efforts, gle detached.10 This means that the Growth Strategy, the principles of the has set a target to create a communi- bulk of new housing will be apart- report have had broad support. ty garden for every 2,500 households. ments, townhouses and duplexes. When their input has been request- The City of Toronto has developed Over the next 20 years, the popula- ed, the citizens of the region have food security policy that includes tion of Greater Victoria will also shift been clear about their preferences. In commitments to supporting communi- demographically and the surveys and public meetings con- ty gardens. with this transition, ducted prior to the development of When researching Community gardens community needs will the growth strategy, an overwhelming which physical activities could play a role in meet- change. By 2011, the majority of people supported contain- Canadians engage in, ing many of the Capital median age of resi- ment and concentration of growth.6 Statistics Canada found Region’s goals. As Great- dents in the region Citizens endorsed a vision of a region that yard work ranked as er Victoria continues to will be 43. The fast- with nodes of growth concentration, the second most popular grow, its citizens must est growing segment pedestrian friendly communities, with physical activity. When ensure that all aspects of the population is diverse housing options and access to broken down into age of sustainability are in- the age group of 55-64 green space. categories, gardening was corporated into our years old increasing by even more popular with planning. Within this 123%, or 36,000 peo- The challenge now, whether the Re- older adults. gional Growth Strategy becomes bylaw context, community gar- ple, between 1996 and or not, is to implement this vision – to dens are not a marginal issue – they are 2021. The group between 65 and 69 create a region that is as healthy as pos- vital to the health of our communities. years of age will double and comprise sible for all of its citizens. Having made over 25,000 people.11 a commitment to improve social, eco- 1.1 Changing Community Needs The concurrent changes in housing nomic and environmental health, the While it may seem that there is an stock and demographics will result in region faces the challenge of translating abundance of land in Greater Victo- changing community needs. Higher this into practice. ria, an increasing number of people density housing means that increasing- do not have a place to garden or grow Community gardens, although often ly people will not have access to their food. The City of Victoria and the mu- overlooked in policy development, are own yards. Instead they will rely on nicipality of Esquimalt both house a vital element of efforts to enhance the public green spaces for their recreation- considerably more of their populations health and well being of the citizens of al activity and it is well documented in apartments and townhouses, than in this region. Around the globe – in plac- that gardening is one of the most pop- single-family dwellings. ular recreational activities in Canada, The City of Victoria has about 21,000 particularly amongst senior citizens. people living in single detached hous- These statistics, and the impacts of ing and almost 42,000 in multiple-unit higher density living and home down- housing.8 Overall, the regional core sizing, are extremely significant when (Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Saanich and contemplating the health of the cit- Victoria) has 41,898 single detached izens of the region. The demand for homes and over 54,000 multiple unit easily accessible green space will grow dwellings (duplexes, apartments and and the demand for community gar- townhouses). At 26.6%, the region as a dens will increase. whole has a higher rental rate than the rest of the province.9 Citizens living in

4 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 5 1.2 Democratic Public Spaces This kind of neighbourhood has re- benefits. So long as gardens are not Urbanists across Canada and the Unit- entered the language of planners and fenced off, they serve as interesting ed States have observed that trends in politicians with a number of terms in- places to walk and to learn. Commu- development are increasingly erod- cluding “complete community” and nity gardens are greenways, providing ing public space and people’s “sense “urban village.”14 pedestrian-friendly areas that serve as of place.”12 The attachment people paths and as pleasant stimulating di- feel to particular places, based on their versions. unique qualities, is disappearing. These “Every man, woman and child losses have been attributed to a range of has the inaliable right to be free 1.3 Food Access factors including the dominance of the from hunger and malnutrition Food security is one of the most im- private automobile and the growth of in order to develop their physical portant indicators of community suburban “bedroom communities” – and mental faculties” health. A community is food secure ultimately, the development of modern 1974 World Food Conference when all people have access to nutri- North American cities.13 tionally adequate food through local, non-emergency sources.15 Most plac- Community gardens are one of the es, including Greater Victoria, include “Social well-being is strongly re- finest examples of public spaces that citizens who lack access sufficient nu- lated to an individual’s sense of build a sense of place and community. trition. connection with, responsibility They cross boundaries of age, income for and commitment to commu- Every year the Capital Health Region and culture, bringing people together nity and place. The antidote to calculates what it calls the Nutritious through shared interests in gardening urban alienation is a strong sense Food Basket.16 The basket is a measure and food. Community gardens also of attachment – feeling at home of the cost of meeting basic nutrition- facilitate the kind of casual public life – to place. Human-scaled, com- al needs. In the spring of 1999, it cost that is missing from many neighbour- prehensible communities that over $600 per month for a family of hoods. have character and feel within four to meet their nutritional require- our control, help maintain and The barriers that exclude people from ments. This cost was prohibitive for enhance identity and attach- many other recreational and social ac- families or individuals on income as- ment” tivities do not apply to community sistance. With recent cuts to income gardens. Senior citizens, people with assistance, the cost of basic food ex- Framework for Our Future, mobility challenges, those with limit- ceeds further the support available, 1998 ed income and those facing language leaving many people to rely on emer- barriers – all of these groups are active gency food supplies. The traditional gathering places, places participants in community gardens. to meet and come together, have been removed from the face of many mod- For those who do not wish to partic- ern North American cities. The open ipate in community gardens, public market and the street life gen- proximity to such a erated by neighbourhood shops have resource can given way to shopping malls. Public still pro- squares and neighbourhood parks have vide lost their places in many communities. Increasingly, citizens are striving to reintegrate such places into their lives. Communities with amenities that are walkable – with street life and with vibrant gathering places – have become enviable because they improve the quality of life of their residents.

6 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 7 While emergency food services are over this period. In the 1996 census, to urban areas, they also lose their unavailable in Greater Victoria, the key (2001 data is not yet available) the av- derstanding of where food comes from. to food security is to move away from a erage age of BC farmers was 48. With Community gardens, by virtue of food system that requires such services. few young people entering the profes- their visibility and potential as dem- Rather than providing food through sion, this translates into a shortage of onstration sites, reconnect urban and charitable means, which often leads to farming expertise and experience in the suburban dwellers with the processes of inadequate nutrition, community gar- near future. growing food. This is not only impor- dens are central to an approach that tant for individual health it also creates increases individual and community 1.5 Community Gardens & Food Security educated consumers that will support self-sufficiency. Solutions are required to address the local agriculture. challenges of retaining agricultural 1.4 Agricultural Land & Expertise land and creating food security. Both Food access is one element in assessing agricultural land and community gar- the food security of a region. Anoth- dens are threatened by pressures of er important indicator is the degree development. While community gar- to which a community is able to feed dens cannot provide a solution to itself. The Capital Region, like com- the crisis of sustainable agricul- munities around the globe, relies ture, they can contribute to heavily on imported food. A primary food security. problem is the lack of support for lo- Community gardens do cal farmers, both at the consumer and three important things the policy level. One indication of the with regards to food devaluation of local farming is develop- security. Most obvi- ment on large tracts of arable land. ously, they provide a The Capital Region, like so many are- direct source of food as in Canada, is rapidly losing its viable for those who garden agricultural land. The Land Commis- in them – ensur- sion’s statistics for Vancouver Island ing access to locally show that almost 25,000 hectares of grown, chemical free agricultural land was removed from food. Secondly, com- the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) munity gardens have between 1974 and 1999.17 With the potential to provide 8,000 hectares added to the reserve high quality food above over this period, almost 17,000 hec- and beyond the needs of tares of farmland were lost. At 12.9%, those who garden. This Vancouver Island has had the highest could (and has in many (regional) percentage loss of ALR land cities) facilitate the dona- in the province. tion of tons of fresh food to the broader communi- Of the 19,595 hectares included in the ty or, in some cases, the Capital Region’s ALR, 1,936 hectares creation of community were removed between 1974 and 1999. economic development Of the 3,000 applications for exclusion initiatives. of private land submitted to the Com- mission between the same years, 1,200 Finally, and perhaps of these were approved for exclusion most importantly, and, in an additional 600 cases, subdi- community gar- vision or other land use was allowed. dens bring education about food produc- At the same time, farming knowl- tion into the urban edge and expertise is shrinking. The / suburban setting. As 2001 Census of Agriculture, count- communities lose their ed 246,923 farms in Canada, down agricultural land and 10.7% from 1996.18 British Colum- small farms, particular- bia’s number of farms declined by 7% ly those in close proximity 6 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 7 Part II Community Gardens in the Capital Region

here are currently 14 commu- 2.0 Township of Esquimalt nity gardens within Greater There is one community garden with- The largest remaining garden in the re- TVictoria. The existing commu- in Esquimalt, located on land owned gion, with 157 plots, is Capital City nity gardens vary considerably in size by the Department of National De- Allotment Gardens located on land from eight plots to almost one hun- fense. The garden has 18 plots and the owned by the province. dred and forty. They are located in military base has expressed no desire to The province is presently willing to every municipality with a relatively remove it in the near future. A civilian continue to lease the land to the gar- dense residential area. A complete list- volunteer coordinates the garden and deners (5 year leases) and has no ing of the gardens and their locations the plots are tended by local residents. immediate plans to alter the land use. may be found in Appendix A. Although military employees have priority access to the garden plots, this has The land tenure security of the gardens not been an issue in the garden’s histo- varies from one municipality to anoth- The Gordon Head ry (no interest has been expressed by er. Only one municipality (Saanich) Allotment Gardens military personnel). has taken steps towards creating sup- The Gordon Head Allotment portive policy for community gardens. 2.1 District of Saanich Gardens were a hub a commu- In all cases, government support for The District of Saanich is current- nity activity and food production community gardens remains primarily ly home to three community gardens: for almost 30 years. The 10 acre in principle; none of the municipali- Agnes Street Allotment Garden, Cap- site was a rarity in a residential ties in the region provide promotional, ital City Allotment Garden, and the area. The garden’s sale was a loss administrative or programming assist- (University of Victoria) for the entire region. Below are ance to community gardens. excerpts from letters sent to Saan- Campus Community Garden. There is Saanich contains the most plots, mean- ich Council that express the value one new community gardening initia- ing its gardens tend to be larger and of the garden: tive in Saanich, the Koinonia Garden serve more gardeners, while Victo- Project associated with the Lamberg ria has the largest number of gardens, “My [garden] neighbour... is 86 Park Church. meaning there are more locations to years old and is up there most garden. All of the gardens depend upon Due to its relatively recent agricultur- days keeping his special patch in money raised through the fees charged al history, Saanich municipality has immaculate condition. He has an to gardeners, and most are organized had the option of maintaining sub- ill wife and the break from nurs- and administered by volunteers. stantial pieces of land for its popular ing her around the clock, mixed community gardens. Two years ago, with the fresh air and compan- Saanich contained a large majority of ionship means more to him than the garden plots in the region. The re- you can imagine.” zoning and sale of the Gordon Head - M. Davel Allotment Gardens (with 188 plots) reduced the number of plots in the municipality by half. “One year we recall that a lady had posted a note on our garden- In order to prevent the loss of another ing bulletin board, stating that community garden, the municipali- she was a single mother of four ty recently purchased the Agnes Street teenagers and wondered if anyone Community Garden, which has since could spare some fresh vegeta- expanded to almost 70 plots. Agnes bles for her family. Well, she was Street Garden is now officially park- so overwhelmed by the generosi- land and has long-term protection ty of the gardeners that she soon through the municipality. left another note on our bulletin board requesting: ‘Please, No More Vegetables and thank you all very much for your help.’ “

Agnes Street Allotment Garden - J. & S. York 8 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 9 policy approved by Saanich Council adds only one sentence to the Offi- cial Plan and lacks any clear trajectory for action. The development of more detailed policy is currently underway and if this policy is backed by Coun- cil, the municipality will set a strong precedent in the region for supporting community gardens.

2.2 District of Oak Bay Oak Bay has one community garden tucked away on Monteith Avenue. The garden retains a waiting list 2.1 District of Saanich cont. maintain allotment gardens through- of more people than it has plots The University of Victoria’s garden out the Municipality.” In addition, (20 plots with a consistent wait list is located on campus just north of Council requested that the Parks and of 30). The garden site is owned by the athletics facilities. The garden has Public Works Department do an in- the municipality and administered never been widely publicized on cam- vestigation of potential sites in the through Parks. It has potential for pus but recently expanded to some 26 municipality. land tenure security because of its plots. The University restricts use to proximity to Bowker Creek. Although initial steps have been tak- staff and students. A new building is en to fulfill these commitments, the currently under construction in close proximity to the garden, resulting in the loss of a small portion of the garden’s land. A new community gardening project has started next to the Lamberg Park Church, off Feltham Road. The Koinonia Garden Project currently has 8 plots with hopes to expand. Garden- ers tending the plots will keep a certain portion of produce and the rest of the food will be donated to parishioners in need. The project also links those in the Church without land (often young people) to people willing to share their property for gardening purposes. The project aims to provide food and garden space and to strengthen Church community. The purchase of the previously men- tioned Agnes Street Community Garden is unprecedented in the region, and follows a year of advocating by local community gardeners to legit- imize community gardens as a land use within Saanich. The purchase is intended to be part of a broader move by the municipality to support community gardens. In June of 2001, the Council committed to establishing a policy “to promote and 8 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 9 2.3 Town of View Royal ing arrangement (with BCBC) and is The Craigflower Community Garden, administered by a committee of gar- located at the corner of Admirals Road deners. Lifecycles also played a role in and Old Island Highway is part of a creating Our Backyard on View Street. provincially owned heritage site. Al- Our Backyard served primarily low in- though there are only 9 plots, a large come people living in close proximity area is being cultivated by dedicat- to the garden. The garden was closely ed gardeners. One part of the garden linked to St. Vincent de Paul next door is plots and the other is gardened col- and was sold last year. lectively. The tenure of this garden is Fernwood is home to two communi- uncertain because the provincial gov- ty gardens and one Commons. The ernment is no longer administering three gardens are in close proximity to this site. one another. The Fernwood Commu- nity Association currently administers 2.4 City of Victoria both of the community gardens. Vol- The City of Victoria houses the larg- unteers manage the day-to-day affairs est number of community gardens in of each garden. the region, with five gardens in to- tal. Because the gardens are relatively The Fernwood Community Gar- small, there are still waiting lists for den, located on Chambers Street, has many of the gardens. Although the about 34 plots some of which are di- City does not have formal policy, the vided in half. The garden is located Parks department recognizes commu- Craigflower Community Garden on land owned by the school district nity gardens in parks as a legitimate and is leased on an annual basis. The activity. popular and maintain waiting lists of Fernwood garden is connected to the between 20 and 30 people. Compost Education Centre, which There are two gardens in James Bay has played a central role in creating – one on Michigan Street near the Lifecycles initially assisted the Michigan the Spring Ridge Commons down the Lifecycles offices and the other on Street garden, helping to build the gar- street (see box above). Montreal Street between Oswego and den and its shed and split wood fence. Niagra. The Michigan Street garden Today the garden has a short-term leas- The second community garden in has 20 plots and the Montreal gar- Fernwood is Earthbound Communi- den has 54 plots. Both gardens are very ty Garden, located near Bay Street on Garden Street. This garden has about 20 plots and the land is owned by the The Spring Ridge Commons City of Victoria. Underground pipes on the site make it unlikely that this Located in Fernwood, The Spring site will be developed. Both Fernwood Ridge Commons Comins is an and Earthbound have been under con- unusual example of a collective struction and a handful of new plots gardening effort. The Compost will be available next year. Education Centre, along with local volunteers, has been work- Burnside Gorge Community Garden – ing hard to improve the soil and in Cecelia Ravine Park – has 11 plots to create a community permac- and is administered through the Gorge ulture food garden. The garden Community Centre staff. The garden could become a model for per- has a consistent waiting list and has maculture food gardening and good prospects for long term security community management of because it is located on Park land. green space. However, the future of the project hangs in the bal- 2.5 Western Communities – District of ance due to lack of funding and Langford & City of Colwood support. There is currently no Langford’s community garden is lo- formal coordinator and the site cated in Willing Park, a site that was does not have long-term tenure. created in 1998 with assistance from Michigan Street Garden Youth Services Canada. Although the 10 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 11 site is two acres and could have up to between 20 and 45 and 15% are 65 or When asked about their reasons for 100 plots, in 2001 only about four over. participating in gardens, the most people participated in the garden. The common responses were: for the love The most significant findings of the previous year there were about 15 peo- of gardening, for access to land, for survey are that 90% of those surveyed ple holding plots. In spring of 2002 fresh organic produce, for recreation or are living in apartments or townhous- the numbers increased again. The site social activity and for pure enjoyment. es without access to land. Of the 10% suffers from several problems that are of gardeners living in single fami- Overall, the survey suggests that there a challenge to sustaining a communi- ly homes, half of these are unable to are differences between gardens, but ty garden. It is located a long distance garden on their property (either be- that it is possible to generalize about from any residential area and is virtu- cause they are renting, or because of several things. The great majority of ally impossible to access without a car. impossible growing conditions). 66% gardeners do not have access to land In addition, water access at the site has of the community gardeners surveyed and the majority live in medium or proven difficult. are renting their homes. The majori- low income households. The age range Colwood also has one community gar- ty of community gardeners (56%) are of gardeners tends to reflect the imme- den, but it is located in the relatively living in household with an income of diate neighbourhood and particular inaccessible campus of Royal Roads between $20,000 and $50,000 a year, history of the garden. However, 65% University. Like the University of Vic- with 24% in households earning under of gardeners are over 45 years of age. toria garden, it is primarily utilized by $20,000 per year. those associated with the campus.

2.6 Community Gardens Survey As part of the research for this report, demographic surveys were distributed to a number of community gardens. Due to the limitations of one research- er and the difficulty of distributing surveys, five gardens were not involved with the survey. As a rule, community gardening committees do not distrib- ute phones lists or addresses of their members meaning that the surveys had to be distributed through volunteers (gardeners) or left in a central location at the gardens. Nine community gardens participated in the survey, with the highest number of respondents from a single garden at fourteen and the lowest being one. Al- together, 65 surveys were returned. Two of the gardens surveyed are in Saanich, five in Victoria, one in View Royal and one in Colwood (at Royal Roads University). Some of the statistics reveal that demographics differ considerably from one garden to another. For example, in one of the James Bay gardens a quarter of the respondents are over 65 and 58% are between 46 and 64. At the other garden in James Bay, almost 60% of respondents are between 20 and 45. Overall, 50% of the gardeners surveyed are between 46 and 64, 35% are

10 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 11 PART III Land Tenure Options

side from outright ownership, tenure for community gardens. While term prospects of the garden should ac- there are few guarantees for some of the possibilities may appear tively pursue either a long term lease, Apermanent protection of com- speculative – some are not common or one of the land tenure arrangements munity gardens. The most common for community gardens – the range of discussed in the following sections. land tenure arrangement for communi- models is steadily increasing. In some Long term leases – for 99 years or ty gardens is short-term leases. Greater cities (as is discussed in the companion longer – can be arranged between Victoria’s loss of two community gar- publication to this one, Seeds of Success) organizations and private land own- dens in two years is representative of a these options are already being imple- ers.20 Community gardens may need broader problem mented. to partner with a nonprofit that has In a 1996 survey published by the Each of the outlined approaches has some organizational stability (such as American Community Gardening As- benefits and drawbacks and different a land trust) to arrange a long term sociation, only 5% of the over 6000 models are appropriate in different lease. Lease agreements can include de- community gardens that responded to circumstances. The descriptions are tailed conditions for use, guaranteeing the survey had permanent protection.19 general and more information about the land will remain protected (utilized Within the 5 years leading up to the how to secure land follows in Part IV. only for the agreed upon use). The idea study 542 gardens had been lost to de- is to provide a long-term guarantee of velopment. In the same period, 1,851 3.0 Private Land & Leases specific land uses without a change of gardens had been created. The majority of community gar- ownership. dens lease land. With the exception of This survey provides a small sample (of groups that have strong commitments 3.1 Government and Institutional Land 38 cities) of community gardens, but from land owners to retain gardens, If governments and institutions are offers some indication of the pattern most lease situations leave gardens vul- educated and supportive, community that exists in American and Canadian nerable to development. gardens can come to be considered a le- cities. During the writing of this re- gitimate use of their land. Community port, Regina’s community gardeners Community gardeners invest signifi- gardens then become part of the green were struggling to preserve a garden cant time and energy in the land on space or greenways network of a city, with 265 plots (out of about 550 plots which their garden is located. There- as common as playing fields and ten- in the city), and three out of Ottawa’s fore, the minimum lease agreement nis courts. eleven community gardens were threat- for community gardens should be ten ened with development. years. Longer term land tenure encour- The majority of community gardens ages soil building, permanent plantings within the Capital Region are located The pressures of development mean and stewardship activities, because gar- on land owned by government, crown that community gardeners and their deners will see the benefits. corporations or school districts. In all supporters need to be aware of options cases, dialogue with the current own- for garden ownership. Described be- Community gardeners that lease their er about long term plans for the land low are a variety of possibilities for land land and are committed to the long should be a first step.

12 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 13 Often gardens end up on government or institutional lands as a kind of acci- dent; a group identifies a viable piece of land and the owner grants a short-term lease. While community gardeners do not have the luxury of turning down available land, this scenario involves no commitment to allow the garden to remain over the long term.

The Seattle Housing Authority (a municipal corporation providing affordable housing) has partnered with the municipality’s community gardening program (P-Patch) to develop a program called Cultivating Communities. The program creates community gardens on land owned by the Housing Authority (in proximity to low income housing) in order to provide gardening and economic opportunities for the residents. There are currently 13 Cultivating Communities gardens.

There are a number of exceptions to the above scenario. If community gardens become of interest to a government department or institution and if they are 3.2 City Parks viewed as fulfilling part of the mandate Locating community gardens on The City of Vancouver’s Parks of the land holder, they may gain infor- municipal park land is optimal for Board community gardens pol- mal long-term protection. Rather than community gardeners in many re- icy recognizes the positive value simply granting temporary access, an spects. Parks are generally protected of community gardens and institution may view the garden as an from development and when a land commits to collaborating with asset – as part of its own educational or use is accepted into parks it often stays groups interested in developing philanthropic work. within parks. Due to limited space, community gardens. Currently, some municipalities will view integrat- nine gardens exist on parkland. School ground community gardens ing community gardens into existing are the best example of this, and they The policy commits to assist- parks as impossible, but they may con- are becoming increasingly common ance with land inventories, with sider acquiring new lands for this in many cities. Hospitals and oth- starting community education purpose. er health facilities have a great deal to programs and with preparing gain by housing community gardens. There are currently three community the site for the initial plant- Religious institutions provide land for gardens within Greater Victoria that ing. The regulations ensure that community gardens, linking them with are located on parkland. The Langford the Parks Board does not accrue their work in the broader communi- Community Garden is in Willing Park, any other costs. User agreements ty. Similarly, government departments the Agnes Street Community Garden for park sites cannot exceed may support community gardens be- was recently purchased as parkland five years (but can be renewed, cause they fulfill community needs and and the Burnside Gorge Community some garden sites have exist- can be dovetailed with existing depart- Garden is in Cecelia Ravine Park. The ed on parkland for a number of ments or programs. arrangements for managing these gar- years). dens vary considerably. 12 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 13 Regardless of who administers and ers are tending neglected areas or areas or community. The type of land pro- manages the gardens, of prima- that add to the workload of overbur- tected varies according to the location ry concern for community gardeners dened maintenance staff. and focus of the organization. is whether the location of a park is A number of local governments have Land trusts have become an increasing- incidental, or whether it signals a com- found that community gardens are ly common tool for the preservation of mitment from the local government. A worth investing in. When Parks and green space in Canada.22 Many Ca- municipality that houses community Recreation Departments recognize nadian land trusts remain focused on gardens in parks should be willing, at the health and recreational potential “natural areas” which tends to exclude of community gardens, they can be urban lands. However, some land trusts integrated into the responsibilities of work to preserve agricultural land and The City of Victoria recently staff. Departments may assist garden- others – such as The Land Conserv- developed the Parks and ers through physical services such as ancy of British Columbia – have a Greenways Acquisition Fund, tilling, providing mulch and clearing diversity of interests including wilder- a reserve fund that dedicates pathways or offer administrative assist- ness, agricultural land and heritage funds to the purchase of land ance and programming.21 properties. The organization Evergreen for parks and greenways. The provides support for citizens wishing government is committed to Another distinction lies in the extent to protect urban green spaces.23 allocating 10% of all future land to which parks departments will assist sales to the Acquisition Fund. with land acquisition. In some cities, This means the City will be able recently in Portland and for some time When it comes to preserving to allocate a portion of this fund in Montreal, Parks Departments are urban green space, land trusts toward protecting its community charged with locating and purchasing are considerably more common gardens. sites for the purpose of community in the United States than gardens. in Canada. Boston, New the minimum, to develop policy that York City and Philadelphia indicates its support of this use. 3.3 Land Trusts have a number of land trusts Community gardens can become a with the specific mandate of If parks departments are involved with permanent land use through land protecting community gardens. a garden, staff should have time and re- donations, or through land trust For example, Philadelphia’s sources available to ensure that gardens purchases. Land trusts are private, Neighborhood Garden do not become neglected or margin- nonprofit organizations that have a Association holds title to 22 alized. Housing community gardens mandate to protect and restore lands community gardens. within parks is generally a very small with specific values. Most land trusts expense for local governments. It may focus on a particular geographic region even save money or trouble if garden-

14 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 15 Land trusts can function in several 3.5 Utilizing Policy and Planning Tools ways to protect community gardens. A final possibility for long term se- Through its Zoning Code Article Land trusts can sign covenants with lo- curity for community gardens is for 33, Boston designates open space cal governments or land owners, enter local governments to support them (OS) districts to ensure that green into long term lease arrangements, or through changes in policy and in by- space and recreational areas (in- purchase outright pieces of land at risk laws. Local governments can integrate cluding community gardens) are of development. community gardens into their Official protected through regulation. Plans. Including community gardens Boston has nine open space 24 3.4 Conservation Covenants in planning requires the use of for- subdistricts, each of which A conservation covenant is a legal mal commitments in policy or through restricts the uses of open space agreement between a landowner and planning tools. areas to specific uses such a qualifying organization or individual An unusual but effective option is as urban wilds, waterfront (generally covenants are held by organ- to incorporate community gardens access areas, urban plazas and izations or societies). Covenants allow in zoning designations. The City of community gardens. valuable aspects, or uses, of a piece Boston includes community gar- of land to be protected in perpetuity, dens within its Open Space zoning entrusting the maintenance of these regulations and now has over 200 com- values to a specific organization. munity gardens (also due to the very Covenants limit what changes can or active nongovernmental organizations cannot be made to a property’s exist- in Boston).25 ing natural features. Covenants are Another tool that has not yet been deeds registered on the title to the land utilized is to combine developer in- meaning that they bind not only the centives with community gardens. current owner, but all future owners Density bonusing, for example, of the land, to the terms of the agree- allows variance in zoning re- ment. In exchange, the owner receives quirements in exchange for the a tax break. In some places, particularly provision of community amen- the United States, the term conserva- ities.26 When developers tion easement describes a very similar provide specific (pre- arrangement. viously identified) Restrictions within covenants can amenities, they be far-reaching or narrowly defined. are allowed to Some covenants are intended to pro- increase the tect ecological values and to maintain floor area land in its natural state in perpetuity. (density) of Alternatively, covenants can provide their develop- conditions for use or development ment. such as protecting significant build- Since amenities ings, heritage or cultural values or uses are intended such as community gardening. to improve Covenants have the potential to be community helpful to community gardeners if livability in higher they hold one jointly with a larger density areas, com- organization such as a land trust. In munity gardens are a logical addition. addition, local governments may be Utilizing already existing planning willing to hold a joint covenant with tools like zoning and density bonusing an organization, or to grant a cove- allows local governments to commit nant to an organization. In either case, to creating more community gardens groups holding covenants require the in their municipality as a matter of collective resources to ensure that the course – particularly in combination agreement is maintained. with dense developments.

14 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 15 Part IV How to Start & Protect Community Gardens

lthough the majority of gardens listed in Part III are 4.1 Identifying a Site thriving, few supports and resources are available to As the region continues to grow, it will become increasing- Athem. This is particularly problematic for groups ly difficult to identify suitable pieces of land for community that want to start new gardens. Greater Victoria possess- gardens. Nonetheless, many potential community garden es no common organization for community gardeners – no sites exist in the region for those who organize and claim networks like those in Toronto or Ottawa – nor is there con- them. sistent support from government or nonprofit groups. While the first priority may be to just find a piece of land, While community gardeners may “just want to garden”, in learn from the experiences of other community gardeners. some cases, retaining the land for gardens requires a more It is heartbreaking to invest time and energy into a garden, proactive approach. It is important to consider how to en- only to have it bulldozed a few years later. Try to find land sure the longevity of community gardens. where a long-term lease can be negotiated or – even better – with the possibility of permanent tenure. This section provides gardeners with suggestions and instructions for tackling the challenges of finding and main- Although there are many practical considerations in iden- taining land. It includes an outline of what to look for in a tifying a garden site (discussed below in section 4.2) don’t site and some basic steps towards land acquisition. allow challenges to discourage you from pursuing all the possibilities. Examine vacant and underused publicly owned Following this section, is a series of recommendations for land in your vicinity. You may be able to enlist the maps of how to improve the overall circumstances for community municipal planners to identify potential sites. On the oth- gardens. Appendix B provides a list of organizations that can er hand, you can also rely on the knowledge of local people provide various kinds of support and assistance. about where gardens might be located. In either case, mapping is a useful approach.27 4.0 Starting out Right In any effort to start or protect community gardens, it is Explore road rights-of-way and portions of local parks. Look necessary to have a core group of people willing to com- for sites that are vacant, have run-down buildings or un- mit time and energy. The core can be quite small, so long as der-used parking lots. Land owned by local or provincial there is a larger group willing to help out with specific tasks government, crown corporations, or local institutions may and to provide moral support. have potential. Religious institutions, school districts and health facilities may have appropriate land holdings. Divisions amongst gardeners, and between gardener and neighbours, have the potential to harm the longevity of the garden. Start out with a model of decision-making that is as inclusive as possible because when a truly divisive and difficult issue arises – such as the garden is put up for sale – a Government Support fragmented response will erase the possibility of organizing Whether or not a municipality administers gardens, they and acting quickly. can still provide assistance with site identification. It is Relations with neighbours are also important. If your gar- a relatively simple task for a planner to inventory public, den is threatened, broad support will ensure that the whole vacant and underutilized land. community will mobilize to protect it. It is important that However, before they undertake this task, a demand must neighbours understand the benefits of the garden from the be evident. In struggling alone to locate a site, com- beginning. If there are reservations about having a commu- munity groups do not make their needs heard. Approach nity garden in the area, address these with patience because your local government and let them know that your group they are often based on misinformation and misconcep- is looking for a site. tions. Although a letter will suffice, approaching your Coun- Invite neighbours to take part in planning sessions and cil and the staff of relevant departments (planning and work parties and be sure to host well-advertised communi- parks) is more effective. Always make an appointment, ty events like tours and harvest parties. Involve local schools come prepared with information and keep meetings brief or any group that will view the garden as an asset or educa- and to the point. tional opportunity. Integrate the garden into the fabric of the community and share its benefits.

16 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 17 4.2 Criteria for a Community Garden Site28 E Size A number of factors should be taken into account Groups have different feelings about the minimum when selecting a garden site. The physical properties and maximum size for gardens. P-Patch (Seattle’s mu- of the garden matter a great deal to the success of the nicipally supported community gardens program) garden itself. recommends a 2,200 square foot minimum for ensuring that gardens can accommodate several gardeners, A Soil a common area, a tool shed and compost bins. Small If the site was previously developed, have the soil lots can make lovely gardens but larger areas have the tested for toxins. Contaminated sites need not be potential to gather more revenue through plot fees, an ruled out, but there are more challenges involved. important consideration in keeping the garden afloat Contamination or poor soil will require importing financially. soil and/or building raised beds. Gardeners will always want to improve the quality of soil on new sites F Location, Location, Location through mulching and composting. A minimum of Aside from all of the physical requirements for plants, 10 inches of soil is needed for vegetables and more community gardens also require one other thing – depth is needed for perennials. gardeners. A central location is an important element of success. Although land may be more abundant in B Sun peripheral areas, without a surrounding community, An open south facing space is best because vegetables gardens cannot be a community resource and become need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Ensure yet another place to drive to. A substantial portion of that the site is not shaded by nearby buildings or trees. gardeners should be able to walk or cycle to the gar- Shade in a small area can be beneficial for creating a den. shade garden and a comfortable seating area. G Access & Parking C Slope The requirements for access to the garden vary. Some While flat lots are preferable, sites that slope can be a gardens within Victoria have very limited vehicular source of creative inspiration for gardeners. Terracing access (such as the Fernwood Community Garden). can be built to create flat plots, but keep in mind that This is preferable for ensuring that people are not sloping sites are an extra challenge and can be difficult tempted to drive if they could walk or cycle. Commu- for people with mobility challenges. nity gardens that are well located should not attract large numbers of vehicles. Nonetheless, all gardens re- D Water quire space for delivery of garden materials and some Wise water management should be (and generally is) a parking. basic tenet of community gardening. However, access to piped water on the site is essential. Paying to have a water meter installed is expensive so sites with water or where the costs of water installation are covered (for example by the municipality) are preferable.

16 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 17 4.3 Steps toward Land Acquisition Below are a series of steps toward gaining support for a community garden and securing land. Most of these steps are equally applicable to those starting a garden, or those struggling to keep one. Some of these suggestions require funds (hosting a community planning session or planting a perennial buffer) so be sure to investigate community funding options in your municipality. The steps are not necessarily sequential and each group will want to adapt their strategies to fit the circumstances.

A Generate Neighbourhood Support If you are starting a new community garden, working with neighbours is important and beneficial. Reactions to community gardens tend to vary depending upon people’s preconceived ideas. Once sit- uated, community gardens are generally popular places amongst neighbours – particularly if they are inclusive and provide educational opportunities. Here are some suggestions to generate or strengthen community support:  Hold an information session about community gardens before you make specific plans for the garden. Show slides (pictures are worth many words) and explain the benefits of community gardens.  Be flexible with regard to the design of the garden – consider a community planning session.  Welcome neighbourhood input about things the community would like to include (community gardens can include any- thing from playgrounds and picket fences to picnic tables and ponds).  Address concerns that are reasonable (a home-owner adjacent to the garden might not want to face compost containers but might be happy to look at a perennial buffer).  Be prepared to address the big “community gardening myths” – a few common myths about community gardens that tend to emerge are that they smell, attract rats and invite vandals. These fears are largely unfounded and, although possible, are definite- ly the exception and not the rule. Make sure that you come equipped to debunk the myths (for example, provide information about rat-proof compost bins).  Always look for ways to invite the neighbourhood into the garden such as assigning a plot to a local grade-school class or hosting workshops. If your group is interested in land that is publicly owned keep in mind that the (vocal) support of the neighbourhood will greatly increase the strength of your case with government. If your garden has already existed for some time, you can still improve community relations. Particularly those community gardens on public land should hold annual garden events to include neighbours such as seed swaps and harvest parties. Invite the local media to events. A garden that is widely loved and well known is much more difficult to destroy.

18 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 19 Finally, if your garden is directly threatened with develop- organizations that may be of interest or assistance to ment find ways to tap into neighbourhood support. community gardens. Some of the relevant groups are listed in Appendix B.  Before seeking external assistance, gardeners A network can be built at any time in the life of a must develop a collective strategy – act together community garden. Connecting your garden to oth- and support one another. er gardens and organizations can be a “virtual” (and  Host a meeting or community event with neigh- low maintenance) relationship, or it can mean the oc- bours and request that they make their support casional meeting or social event. Just remaining in visible – in writing or in person (at meetings touch with other gardens and groups will strength- etc). en your garden’s chances of remaining over the long term.  Have local media tell the story of your garden or write an editorial. C Approach the Landowner(s)  Draw on regional resources and groups that will If your group has a site in mind but you aren’t sure assist to preserve the garden. who owns it, check with your municipality. If the land is privately owned they will have a listing. If it is B Build a Network publicly owned land you will need to check with the Community gardens that exist in isolation not only municipal Buildings or Planning Department to get miss out on the opportunity to exchange everything more information. After you have identified the own- from gardening tips to garden tours – they also lack er, you are ready to proceed with a meeting. the support and energy of others when they face chal- How you approach the landowner will partly depend lenges. upon who it is. A private owner will likely be most Networks can be built amongst gardens and be- concerned with how your use might affect their land tween community gardens and other groups such and with questions about insurance and the length of as food security organizations and urban greening the lease. groups. There are local, national and international

18 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 19 Private Ownership If the land in question is privately owned, the most likely arrangement will be a lease. You will want to be organized when you approach the owner. Write up a brief description of your plans including:  How you intend to use the land – plots, common areas, seating and so forth  Your objectives for the garden (to provide food, community activity etc)  A maintenance plan for the garden (year round)  Names and contact information for at least two gardeners  Liability information  Evidence of support from neighbours and community groups So long as the owner is willing to lease you the land, the next primary consideration will be the terms of the lease. Find out up-front if the owner will consider long-term leases – if not than decide whether you are willing to risk short-term arrangements. If an owner is serious about long-term arrangements, they may consider a covenant or involving a land trust. It is important to have someone with a legal or real estate background to assist you with the lease and with the question of insurance. Local Government Ownership As was discussed in Part III, local governments may become strong supporters of community gardens. Whether you are starting a garden or proposing to protect it, government will want to know the community benefits of your garden. If you have identified (or are currently located on) a site that is in a local park or on land owned by local government the next logical step – after building support for your proposal – is to approach your Council. Approaching Council will also be a necessary step if you are attempting to protect your community garden from development. Some things to consider when approaching your local government:  Present a written proposal (see the list above under Private Ownership and add an explanation of community benefits)  It can be difficult to meet with Council as a whole. Often it is easiest to coordinate individual meetings. You can divide the meetings amongst members of your group; just be sure your message is consistent.  If the land you are considering, or are currently located on, is in a park meet with parks staff as well. The support of municipal staff is invaluable.  Many municipalities have advisory committees on topics such as environment and planning. Presentations for relevant committees can result in recommendations to Council on your behalf.  Provide evidence of community support for the garden – letters or signatures.

20 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 21 Remember that leasing is only one of a range of D Explore possibilities for covenants or purchase possibilities for situating community gardens on gov- If you are a group of gardeners faced with the pros- ernment lands. Try to negotiate a situation where pect of losing your garden to development, or if you the garden can remain over the long term. Local wish to ensure that this never happens, there steps government may also play a role in other ownership sce- you can take. narios for community gardens. Although the land may Meet with and lobby (through letters, presentations, be not be owned by them, they may be able to assist your petitions and media coverage) local Council and re- group in other ways. For a list of possibilities, please see sec- quest their assistance with one (or several) of the tion (d) following following: Other Owners  Arranging long term leases with other levels of Aside from local government other common land owners government or land owners are provincial government departments, Crown corpora-  Negotiating land swaps with other levels of gov- tions, school districts and religious or health facilities. In all ernment or land owners cases, be prepared with a clear written plan.  Purchasing land to preserve a community gar- When approaching provincial government or Crown Cor- den (or designating it as parkland) porations, the support of your local government can be helpful. Depending on future plans for the land, these  Providing support for your efforts to make long groups may be willing to consider a land swap, long term term land tenure arrangements leasing or purchase options.  Developing policies to improve the status of If you are interested in starting a garden on school, hospital, community gardens in your municipality or church lands, consider and articulate how the commu-  Entering into covenant agreements to protect nity garden fits with the objectives of the institution. community gardens – possibly in partnership Community gardens offer educational, recreational, social with nonprofit organizations and healing opportunities and can provide food donations to the kitchens of these facilities. Be aware that union la- Meet with local nonprofits and land trusts to find out bour can be a major concern with some types of land and if any of them would assist your garden. They may that it is important to include union leaders early on in the provide guidance and advice or they might become process. Try to make a specific agreement with unions to directly involved in your cause. Also be sure to meet smooth the way for your garden. with your local community associations to enlist their If your group is currently gardening on land owned by any support and to talk to local media – make sure the of these groups, consider increasing the involvement of us- public knows about your garden. ers and staff of the facility. When the community garden is tied into the concerns of an institution or facility, this greatly improves the chances of longevity for the garden.

20 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 21 Part V Recommendations for Community Garden Success

or community gardens to grow When one considers the current con- vision at the government, communi- as community assets, they text for community gardens in Greater ty and nonprofit levels. Governments Frequire the support of local or- Victoria – possessing tiny budgets and and community groups have devel- ganizations and governments. This run almost exclusively by volunteers – oped policy and supported gardens by support may take a variety of forms it is a wonder that they continue to making resources available in the form from policy to programming with exist at all. The garden plots are filled of staff and funding. The present lev- many variations in between. by word of mouth and waiting lists el of success of community gardens are common. Even so, the majority of in the region is primarily attributable Looking to cities with successful and people in this region, particularly those to the efforts of community garden- expanding community gardening ef- who would benefit most, continue to ers themselves. If community gardens forts, the majority have significant be unaware of community gardens. are to flourish and multiply in the fu- support from local governments and/ ture, more assistance and resources or local nonprofit organizations. Cit- With the kind of active and must be made available. What follows ies such as Seattle and Montreal have funded promotion of communi- is a list of recommendations for each brought community gardens into the ty gardens that has occurred in of the groups that will participate in mandate of city departments, with the other cities, the demand for com- the future of community gardens in understanding that they provide a vital munity gardens would burgeon. The the region. service for communities. Other cities latter task cannot fall exclusively on the have strong, generally membership- shoulders of volunteer community gar- based, non-profit groups that support deners. The momentum community community gardens, frequently in gardens have gathered in other places partnership with local government. is not exclusively due to community initiative. It is also attributable to

22 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 23 Recommendations for Recommendations for Recommendations for Community Community Gardeners Local Government & Nonprofit Organizations  Build bridges with the  Develop policy to support  Contribute to public ed- broader community – and promote community ucation about the value start by hosting one or gardens (see companion of community gardens two annual events, invit- publication Seeds of Success – promote the benefits ing neighbours, schools, for detailed information of participating in and community groups and on other city’s policies) maintaining community municipal Council gardens  Publicize this support  Network with other com- and raise awareness about  Facilitate the creation of munity gardens in the community gardens community gardens net- region – invite garden- works  Assist community groups ers to your events or host to start community gar-  Provide assistance – joint events (a number of dens by helping to identify through small grants places organize communi- suitable land and to nego- or expertise – to citizen ty garden tours) tiate tenure arrangements groups wishing to start  Lobby your local gov- community gardens  Assist current community ernment to put policy in gardens to arrange long-  Invite community garden place, either within the term land tenure committees to participate Official Community Plan in food security and sus- or Parks Department pol-  Make small grants / tainability initiatives icy (or both) to support matching funds available and promote community to community gardeners  Promote community gar- gardens and publicize the availabil- dens as a self-help option ity of these grants to improve food access  Access local government and food security funds for community gar-  Link community gardens dening efforts (to improve into the mandates of ex-  Integrate community gar- your garden, host events, isting departments such as dens into your mandate, or for start-up) Parks and Recreation services and programming  Participate in food security  Support community gar-  Assist community gar- and broader sustainability dens through staff time deners in lobbying local initiatives to ensure com- and expertise government for policy and munity gardens are informal support cluded

These recommendations require that community gardens be viewed as important contributors to the urban social fabric and quality of life. If the citizens of the Capital region wish to address urban environmental concerns and food security while enabling communities to help themselves, community gardens will have a significant role in the region’s future. Working together, municipal governments and community groups can ensure that the City of Gardens has gardens for all of its citizens.

22 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 23 APPENDIX A Community Gardens of Greater Victoria

C=Contact Langford Community Garden L=Location C: David Stott (478-1122) L: Wiling Park P=Plot number P: 15-20

Agnes Street Community Garden Michigan Street Community Garden C: Cathy Wetton, Treasurer C: Rob Wipond (361-4169) (384-2956) L: Corner Michigan St. & Menzies St. L: Agnes Street off Glanford Rd. P: 20 (waitlist) P: 69 Oak Bay Community Garden Burnside Gorge Community Garden C: Linda Plasterer (598-3311) C: Dean Fortin (388-5251) L: Monteith St. L: Cecelia Ravine Park near Gorge Community Centre P: 12 (waitlist) P: 11 (waitlist) Royal Bay Community Garden Capital City Community Garden C: Michael Bodman (391-2600 ext. 4070) C: Clarence (380-3549) L: Royal Roads, near community education centre L: 621 Kent Rd. – Near the Pat Bay Hwy. P: 8 P: 137 (waitlist) Sidney Community Garden Craigflower Community Garden C: Unavailable C: Richard (479-9280) L: 1805 Glamorgan Rd, N. Saanich (across from the Sandown L: Corner of Admirals Rd. & Old Isld Hwy. Racetrack) P: 9 & shared area P: Unavailable

Earthbound Community Garden Spring Ridge Commons C: Fernwood Community Association, Alex Kozak (384- C: Geoff Johnson, Compost Education Centre (386- 7441) 9678) L: Garden St., just north of Bay St. L: Fernwood, Corner of Chambers & Gladstone P: 20 (seasonal waitlist) P: None, permaculture food garden

Esquimalt Community Garden (UVic) Campus Community Garden C: Max Rogers (384-4661) C: Trina Allinotte ([email protected]) L: Corner of Munro St. & Anson St. (on military base) L: University of Victoria, West of the Saunders Complex P: 18 P: 26

Fernwood Allotment Garden C: Fernwood Community Association, Alex Kozak (384- 7441) L: Chambers and North Park P: 34 (Seasonal waitlist)

James Bay Allotment Garden C: Sylvia Austin (388-7550) L: Montreal St., Btwn. Oswego & Niagra P: 54 (Waitlist, restricted to neighbourhood apartments)

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24 THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK � ��

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�� THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 27 Endnotes

1 Boston Urban Gardeners. A Handbook of Community 10 September 1998. Framework for Our Future: An Gardening. Ed.Susan Naimark. 1982. Charles Scribner’s Agreement Between the Capital Regional District and Sons: New York. Member Municipalities on a Framework for the Preparation of the Capital Region’s Growth Management Strategy. 2 While this publication was being developed, two gardens Prepared by Regional Planning Services Capital Regional were considering fencing and locking their gardens. District. P 24. Virtually all gardens, in every city, consider taking this action at some point. Problems with theft and vandalism 11 OCP Background Report. Population, Employment are common. This is a large topic that is difficult to and Housing Projections 1996-2021. Regional Growth address within the scope of this publication. Ultimately, Strategy. www.crd.bc.ca/regplan/RGS/OthRprts/OCP/ locking gardens removes much of their public aspect ocpbckgd.htm (although there is a middle ground where they are only locked at night). However, for gardeners to lose their 12 Tall, Deborah. “dwelling: making peace with space and produce, after their investment of time and energy, is very place.” Rooted in the Land. Eds. William Vitek & Wes discouraging. Currently there are only a couple of gardens Jackson. 1996. Yale University Press. that are fenced 13 For a full critique of the growth of American cities see: 3 The companion publication to this one, Seeds of Success, Kunstler, James Howard. The Geography of Nowhere. provides in depth descriptions of some of the outstanding 1993. Touchstone: New York. . community gardening efforts taking place in cities in the United States and Canada.

4 One of the best guides available can be purchased through FoodShare Metro Toronto. Berman, Laura. How Does Our Garden Grow? A Guide to Community Garden Success. 1997. Lifecycles has a guide for local gardeners, The Lifecycles Community Garden Resource that includes some handy information for groups starting gardens.

5 September 1998. Framework for Our Future: An Agreement Between the Capital Regional District and Member Municipalities on a Framework for the Preparation of the Capital Region’s Growth Management Strategy. Prepared by Regional Planning Services Capital Regional District.

6 For detailed information on the surveys and public meetings see the Capital Regional District website: www.crd.bc.ca/regplan/RGS/

7 For more information about Denmark’s community gardens see: http://www.cityfarmer.org/denmark.html

8 May 2000. Housing, Dwelling Type By Population and Age, Capital Region. From: Regional Information Services, Capital Regional District. www.crd.bc.ca/regplan/RIS/ Facts/Housing/du_age.htm

9 1996. BC stats for Regional District.

THE GARDEN CITY HANDBOOK 27 Endnotes.

14 Beatley, Timothy and Kristy Manning. The Ecology 23 For more information on Evergreen please see of Place: Planning for Environment, Economy and Appendix B. Community. 1997. Island Press: Washington, DC. 24 For excellent detailed information about 15 There are a number of definitions of food security. One conservation covenants see the West Coast of the earliest was developed at the 1996 World Food Environmental Law report, available on-line at: Summit. The definition used in this report is the one that http://www.wcel.org/wcelpub/10362/10362.html local organizations (CRFAIR, Lifecycles) use. Andrews, William J. & David Loukidelis. Leaving A Living Legacy: Using Conservation Covenants in B.C. January 16 Quality of Life in BC’s Capital Region. 1999. Social 1996. West Coast Environmental Law Foundation. Planning Council of Greater Victoria. 25 For a draft of the zoning regulations in Boston as well 17 All of these statistics were gathered through the archives as information on policy in other cities see the compiled section of the Land Commission’s website. document: Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Regulations, Open Space Policies and Goals Concerning Community Gardens and 18mhttp://www.statcan.ca/english/agcensus2001/index.htm Open Green Space from the Cities of Seattle, Berkeley, Boston and Chicago. Compiled by Lenny Librizzi, 1999. Available 19 American Community Gardening Association. 1996. through the ACGA website: www.communitygardens.org/ National Community Gardening Survey: 1996. American links/#studies Community Gardening Association. The Survey is available on-line at: www.communitygarden.org under 26 Density Bonusing: A Guide and Bylaw. Ministry of Publications. Municipal Affairs and Housing, 1997. Available at: www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/housing/bonusdn/index.htm 20 Loukidelis, David. Using Conservation Covenants to Preserve Private Land in British Columbia.. Anne Hillyer 27 The local nonprofit group Common Ground has both (Ed.) 1992. West Coast Environmental Law. Available on- maps and mapping expertise. The Groundworks resource line: http://www.wcel.org/wcelpub/2986_1.html centre may also be very helpful. See Appendix B for contact information. 21 For detailed information about model community gardening programs offered through Parks and Recreation 28 For more detail on evaluating community garden sites see: Departments please see the companion publication to this Boston Urban Gardeners. 1982. A Handbook of Community one: Seeds of Success Gardening. Susan Naimark (Ed.) Charles Scribner’s Sons: New York. 22 Watkins, Melissa. The Emergence of Land Trusts as a New Conservation Force in Canada. 2001. Centre for Land and Water Stewardship, University of Guelph. Available on-line at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/~claws/conference/ LandTrustPaper.htm

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