Because You Asked: Community Gardens

Because you Asked is a new feature on my social media channels and in my monthly

newsletter! I use this space to provide helpful context and information about issues the community is asking about.

Today we’re talking about community gardens. I often receive questions about how to

start one, how to find one, and how they work.

Community gardens are plots of land that people share to grow fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, learn about gardening, and connect with one another. Some community gardens grow produce to donate to local food banks, while others provide allotments where those who don’t have access to land, can grow their own food. Many community gardens are located in Whitby, including the Whitby Ajax Garden Project, St. John’s Port Whitby Community Garden, Hebron Community Garden and King Street Cooperative Community Garden.

Durham Integrated Growers offers a list and map of community gardens in Durham

located on public and private lands. Town of Whitby staff will work closely with groups interested in starting a community garden on Town land. A community garden application, agreement, and checklist can be found at whitby.ca/en/play/community-gardens.aspx

The Town of Whitby also has a Community Garden Policy and Procedure. Whitby’s newest community garden on Town land is currently in the final approval stage. Mannahelp Community Garden will be located within the open lawn area west of the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex parking lot – more information is available on the project’s Connect Whitby page.

As food insecurity grows in our community, the need for community gardens also

increases. The Town of Whitby has funded several community garden initiatives through the

Mayor’s Community Development Fund.

In 2023 and 2024, MCDF provided grants valued at $35,200 to community garden

initiatives including:

• We Grow Food: Four $5,000 grants to establish community gardens at Dryden

  Heights, Marigold Court, Garrard Heights, and Perry Street

• Christian Faith Outreach Centre: $5,000 to establish a community garden at

  the 1635 Dundas shelter in partnership with We Grow Food

• Whitby Baptist Church: $2,500 for a shed garden tools, water tanks, compost,

  wood chips and fencing

• King Street Cooperative Community Garden: A grant for $5,000 in 2023 for

  development of a community garden and shed and a grant of $2,700 in 2024 for

  tools, soil, plants, and a water collection and irrigation system