The city hopes to add more community gardens to meet the long waiting list of interested residents, and is seeking public comment.
“These gardens create community by bringing people together to share their gardening knowledge and stories. The many benefits derived from community gardens make them special places and the city would like to offer more, â€said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Receiving feedback from residents on the planning process means we’ll be able to tailor our projects to better serve our community. ”
Along with its community partner Urban Bounty (formerly known as the Richmond Food Security Society), the city currently operates 11 community gardens comprising over 400 plots. And the popularity of these sites continues to grow. According to a meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Committee in July, 661 residents were on the waiting list for community gardens in June.
With a low occupancy rate in community gardens, building new sites or expanding existing sites is the most efficient way to meet this significant demand.
The city plans to build 260 more plots later this year, including 15 in an expanded rail location, 25 more along the Greenway rail corridor and 20 in the Cook Quarter School Park.
The city also recently received approval from the Agricultural Lands Commission (ALC) to install 200 plots on Garden City land. While this will help eliminate the waiting list, the city also hopes to identify other sites, particularly in Steveston and along the Greenway rail corridor where, according to Urban Bounty, a significant number of on-list residents. ‘wait live.
For more information, visit LetsTalkRichmond.ca, email [email protected] or call the City Parks Department at 604-244-1208. Public comments will be accepted until September 12.