Allotment gardens FAQ

Permits will be issued to return renters the end of January. Payments will not be accepted prior to the issuing of permits.

Given the limited number of available plots, returning and new renters will only be eligible to sign up for one plot. If there are still plots available after April 15, renters may apply for additional plots at that time.

Return renters requesting to change to another plot will be considered after March 31 once allocation to last year's permit holders is complete.

Parks and Open Space Division of the Public Works Department is responsible for the division and marking of multi-lot sites. Every attempt will be made to ensure that sites are properly marked so as to avoid confusion with the users. Should there be problems in this regard refer to the contact person noted on the permit.

Should there be problems in this regard refer to the contact person noted on the permit. No refunds will be issued in these situations.

Garden plots are assigned as either unserviced plots or serviced plots. Unserviced plots means that these areas are allocated 'as is' therefore no maintenance (i.e. tilling) is performed on these sites. Serviced lots refer to areas that will be rototilled in early spring by the Parks and Open Space Division.

Testing soil at all plots throughout the city is a cost prohibitive practice. Gardeners are permitted to carry out testing at their own expense. For information on local labs and testing procedures please refer to the contact person noted on the permit.

While the City’s annual compost giveaway has been delayed, we will be making compost available at certain allotment gardens and designated pick-up locations at a later date. More details will be provided to allotment gardeners as compost becomes available.

For allotment gardens, water does need to be brought to site by users. See site descriptions for options available at each location.

Environmental acts prohibits the use of pesticides on public land unless under a permit issued for the purpose from the governing body. Any person using pesticides must use them in accordance with the regulations set out in the Pest Control Products Act.

For information on alternative control methods please refer to the contact noted on the garden use permit.

Garden plot rentals are not intended to be for profit ventures. Many gardeners choose to donate excess produce to local food banks or community kitchens. This practice is greatly encouraged and is sited as a primary benefit of the garden rental program.