Municipal Garden Policies
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
Region of Waterloo Official Plan 2031: Section 3 Livability in Waterloo Region
3.F Access to Locally Grown and Other Healthy Foods
3.F.3 Area Municipalities will establish policies in their official plans that encourage community gardens and rooftop gardens.
3.F.4 The Region will support community gardens, wherever feasible, by granting access to Regional lands, and by providing rain barrels, composting bins, compost, wood mulch or other forms of in-kind support.
City of Cambridge
The City of Cambridge recognizes that community gardens can contribute to the health and well-being of the population by providing opportunities for individuals and groups to participate in agricultural and horticultural activities and to harvest fruits, vegetables, and grains that promote healthy eating and nutrition, to get outside, and to provide a recreational opportunity the whole family can enjoy. Community gardens can be considered on private property, churches, parks, or anywhere in the city but there are some key aspects you should investigate before pursuing a particular site including soil conditions, access, water, surveillance, safety, etc. The City has a Community Gardens Policy for gardens proposed on City-owned lands which includes a $1,000.0 grant to support the aquisition of tools, equipment, storage facilties and/or services. Please contact Chris Ziemski, Manager of Park Operations for more information. T. Main (519) 623-1340 TTY (519) 623-6691
City of Kitchener
Community gardens offer a place to build lasting relationships with neighbours and provide a sense of belonging. People come together to grow vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers in designated plots. The gardens are coordinated and maintained by volunteers, and the produce is not for commercial use.
The City of Kitchener currently has 35 community gardens- and we’d love to see more! For more information on Kitchener’s Community Garden program check out their website here Community Gardens – Kitchener Love My Hood
City of Waterloo
The City of Waterloo’s Partners in Parks program is currently restructuring its Community Vegetable Program. Please contact the city for more information. T. 519-747-8733 TTY (for deaf). 1-866-786-394.
Contact Information
City of Kitchener
1. Neighbourhood Development Office
Contact: Mark Harris
Email: mark.harris@kitchener.ca
Telephone: 519-741-2200 ext. 4663
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
City of Waterloo
1. Use of Green Space
Contact: Rhonda Fetterly, Park Technologist/MLEO, Parks & Works Services
Email: rhonda.fetterly@waterloo.ca
Telephone: 519-886-2310 Ext: 30232
2. For previous use of private land
City Hall – Building Standards
Telephone: 519-886-1550
City of Cambridge
Contact: Chris Ziemski, Manager of Park Operations for more information.
Telephone: (519) 623-1340
TTY: (519) 623-6691
Bell, Gas, Water,
Sewer Lines, Hydro,
Rogers Cable
Ontario One
Telephone: 1-800-400-2255