Community Garden Update Report

COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
3.
15
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE
MISE À JOUR SUR LES JARDINS COMMUNAUTAIRES
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve an additional contribution of $15,000 per year to Just
Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa for the provision of community
gardens as outlined in this report.
RECOMMANDATION DU COMITÉ
Que le Conseil approuve l’octroi d’une contribution supplémentaire de
15 000 $ par année à Alimentation juste afin de permettre l’aménagement
de jardins communautaires comme le précise le présent rapport.
DOCUMENTATION / DOCUMENTATION
1.
Susan Jones, Acting Deputy City Manager, report dated 13 August 2015 /
Directrice municipale adjointe par intérim, daté du 13 août 2015
(ACS2015-COS-CSS-0016).
2.
Extract of Draft Minutes, Community and Protective Services Committee,
20 August 2015 / extrait de l’ébauche du procès-verbal du comité des
services communautaires et de protection, le 20 août 2015.
COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
16
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
Report to
Rapport au:
Community and Protective Services Committee
Comité des services communautaires et de protection
20 August 2015 / 20 août 2015
and Council
et au Conseil
26 August 2015 / 26 août 2015
Submitted on August 13, 2015
Soumis le 13 août 2015
Submitted by
Soumis par:
Susan Jones, Acting Deputy City Manager / Directrice municipale adjointe par
intérim, City Operations / Operations municipales
Contact Person
Personne ressource:
Aaron Burry, General Manager / Directeur général, Community and Social
Services / Services sociaux et communautaires
613-580-2424 x23666, [email protected]
Ward: CITY WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA
VILLE
File Number: ACS2015-COS-CSS-0016
SUBJECT: Community Garden Update
OBJET:
Mise à jour sur les jardins communautaires
COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
17
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
That Community and Protective Services Committee recommend that Council
approve an additional contribution of $15,000 per year to Just Food
Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa for the provision of community gardens as
outlined in this report.
RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT
Que le Comité des services communautaires et de protection recommande au
Conseil d’approuver l’octroi d’une contribution supplémentaire de 15 000 $ par
année à Alimentation juste afin de permettre l’aménagement de jardins
communautaires comme le précise le présent rapport.
BACKGROUND
The City of Ottawa has had a community garden action plan since 2004 (ACS2004CPS-CSF-0016). The program is operated by Just Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste
Ottawa/Community Garden Network (CGN) with support from one City staff. In April
2009, City Council adopted a formal policy statement entrenching community gardening
as a valuable community activity that can contribute to community development, civic
participation, neighborhood revitalization, environmental awareness and a healthier
lifestyle (ACS2009-COS-RCS-0005). This report provides an update on the progress
since 2009 as well anticipated actions for this term of Council.
At the time of the report in 2009, there were 19 community gardens. There are currently
59 community gardens with a further 4 anticipated to be completed by fall 2015 (see
Document 1 for a list of community gardens). This is a testament to the success and
approach of the development of gardens in the community which are developed by the
community with support and oversight by CGN. The City will continue to ensure that all
gardens on City property continue to comply with standards, legislations and
requirements.
DISCUSSION
Ottawa has many areas in communities that are suitable for community gardens. 60%
of existing gardens have been established on property other than City of Ottawa
COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
18
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
property which is negotiated through CGN. The CGN networks and assists the
community with developing all aspects of the garden project including securing the
appropriate leases and consents to enter for specific non-City property.
The Community and Social Services Department supports one position, a liaison officer,
to oversee a contract with Just Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa. This liaison
officer acts as the central point of contact for the organization with respect to
establishing gardens on properties owned by the City. Since community gardens are
public spaces meant to be enjoyed by the general public, properties and the
construction of gardens must meet specific conditions and requirements that are
compatible with multi-use demands. These requirements include: land availability
including appropriate space to accommodate community gardens, a water source,
accessibility, insurance and be compatible with existing activities on the land.
The liaison officer assists Just Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa with ensuring
that all the public requirements are met, that the appropriate agreements for City owned
property and approved design and testing requirements are met. The liaison officer
works across City departments to ensure that all requirements for a specific community
garden are coordinated. Costs for gardens are achieved through allocation provided by
the City, community equity, various forms of donations, and fundraising. This is
consistent with the overall goals for the program. Funding grants typically under $5000
are provided to develop and/or maintain gardens through funding provided through Just
Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa.
Costs to develop community gardens have increased over the years, due to legislative
changes, insurance and materials costs. There is additional complexity in site selection
and garden design due to these changes. To respond, communities are addressing
these additional costs through additional fundraising.
CGN is working directly with the City to ensure that City properties being developed
comply with any new legislative requirements. In a similar manner, CGN ensures
compliance and negotiates terms with other land owners. There has been considerable
learning through the ongoing collaboration of the CGN and the City that will benefit and
simplify many aspects of future garden development.
COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
19
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
As part of the development of this report and the needs during this term of Council, the
Department reviewed the funding agreement with Just Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste
Ottawa. To date, CGN is supporting 59 gardens compared to 19 gardens in 2009 and
has received no additional funds beyond the basic Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
increases. CGN anticipates that 2 – 5 new gardens will be developed each year. Just
Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa provides the basic start-up funding and annual
smaller grant funding. Therefore, the Department is recommending that the contract be
increased to $176,337 based on the projected expense growth and new gardens to be
added. This represents an additional $15, 000 per year to the Just Food
Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa contract. Document 2 is a copy of the draft contract
with Just Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa.
RURAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no specific rural implications.
CONSULTATION
The City’s Community Garden Liaison Officer holds regular meetings with Just Food
Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa and the CGN as well as participates in their Annual
General Meetings. The City’s Community Garden Liaison Officer participates as an
active member of the annual CGN allocations committee which reviews applications for
funding and allocates funds for new development and or sustainability of existing
community gardens. The Community Garden Development Fund application process,
timelines, criteria are all available on the CGN website as well as in previously noted
Council reports.
There is significant internal engagement by the City’s Community Garden Liaison
Officer who collaborates with Just Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa and CGN
experts on a daily basis bridging informational and service requests of current and
prospective community gardeners with various City colleagues and Councillors. Multiple
City departments provide expertise, information and support to community gardens
including: Community and Social Services, Parks, Recreation and Culture, Public
Works, Infrastructure Services, Planning and Growth Management, Real Estate
Partnerships and Development Office (Disposals and Environmental Remediation Unit,
Parks Grounds and Maintenance), Corporate Programs and Business Services
COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
20
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
(Accessibility), Ottawa Public Health, Environmental Services and City Clerk and
Solicitor (Insurance, Legal).
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no legal impediments to the implementation of the recommendation in this
report.
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There are no risks associated with this report.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The funding to increase the contract with Just Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa,
from $161,337 to $176,337 has been identified within the department budget.
ACCESSIBILITY IMPACTS
There are no accessibility impacts associated with this report.
TERM OF COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Community Gardens aligns with the City’s strategic priorities of Healthy & Caring
Communities and Environmental Stewardship.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Document 1: Garden List by Year
Document 2: Just Food Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa Contribution Agreement
DISPOSITION
Community and Social Service Department staff will amend the Just Food
Ottawa/Alimentation juste Ottawa/CGN contract to reflect funding changes once
approved.
COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
21
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
Document 1: Garden List by Year by Ward
#
Garden
Year Developed
Ward
1
28th Girl Guide Garden
2012
8
2
800 St. Laurent Community Garden
2012
13
3
Bayshore Park Community Garden
2012
7
4
Bethany Church Community Garden
1996
8
5
Brewer Park Community Garden
2012
17
6
Brooke Tower Communal Garden
2014
14
7
BUGs ( Bytowne Urban Garden)
1997/ Moved 2008
17
8
Cardinal Creek Children’s Community Garden
2015
1
9
Carlington Community Garden
1997
16
10
Centretown Community Gardening Project
2010
14
11
Centretown United Church
2015
14
12
Chateau Donald Community Garden
2003
13
13
CHEO Healing Garden
2014
18
14
Children's Garden in Leggett Park
2008
17
15
Daily Bread Community Garden
2013
5
16
Debra Dynes Family House Community Garden
2012
16
17
Fatima Manor for Seniors
2011
12
18
Friendship Community Garden
2006
11
19
Gloucester Allotment Gardens
1981 as Community
2
Garden after NCC
abandoned the
allotment garden
COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
#
22
Garden
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
Year Developed
Ward
program.
20
Gloucester Allotment Gardens (2
nd
Location)
1981 as Community
2
Garden after NCC
abandoned the
allotment garden
program.
21
Greenstar
2011
18
22
Growing Up Organic School Gardens
2011
15
23
Jardin Arrowsmith Thyme-less Garden
2009
11
24
Jardin Communautaire Orleans Community Garden
2007
1
25
Jardin Communautaire Vanier Community Garden
2010
12
26
Kanta North Community Garden
2014
4
27
Kilborn Allotment Garden
NCC ran the gardens
from 1981 until 1988
when the City took
over
18
28
Lees Avenue Community Garden
2012
17
29
Leslie Park Community Garden
2011
8
30
Lexington Green Life Gardens
2012
17
31
Lowertown/Basseville Community Garden
1996
12
32
Lowertown/Basseville Community Garden (AKA: Angel
nd
Square Garden:2 Location)
2014
12
33
McNabb Park Community Garden
2015
14
34
Michele Heights Community Garden
2007
7
COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
#
23
Garden
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
Year Developed
Ward
35
Nanny Goat Hill Community Garden
1999
14
36
Nepean Allotment Gardens
1991
9
37
New Edinburgh Community Garden
2014
13
38
Oasis Food Growing Project
2013
12
39
Osgoode Museum Community Garden
2013
20
40
Ottawa East Community Garden
2008
17
41
Ottawa Salus Gladstone Rosemount Garden
2013
14
42
Overbrook Community Garden
2013
13
43
Partage Vanier Community Garden:
2013
12
44
Peaceful Garden
2015
16
45
Pinecrest Terrace
2011
8
46
Revell Court Community Garden
2013
10
47
Rochester Heights Children's Garden
2008
14
48
Russell Heights
2011
18
49
Russell Manor Community Garden
2014
18
50
Sandy Hill Community Garden
2008
12
51
St. Joe’s Supper Table
2014
12
52
St. Laurent Community Garden
2009
18
53
Stittsville
2012
6
54
Strathcona Heights Community Garden
1994
12
55
Sweet Willow Community Garden
1998
14
56
Trinity Community Garden
2011
18
COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE
SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT 6
26 AUGUST 2015
#
24
Garden
COMITÉ DES SERVICES
COMMUNAUTAIRES ET DE
PROTECTION
RAPPORT 6
LE 26 AOÛT 2015
Year Developed
Ward
57
Urban Shades Community Garden
2014
12
58
Vars Community Garden
2012
19
59
West Barrhaven Community Garden
2007
3
Gardens to be developed in 2015
Garden
Development Ward
Date
1
South Nepean Muslim Community Garden
2015
3
2
Marigold Friendship Community Garden (AKA
Kanata South Community Garden)
2015
23
3
LindenLea Food and Wildlife Community
Garden
2015
13
4
Queensway Terrace Community Garden
2015
7
#