Staff Report: View Royal Park Community Gardens

View Royal Park Community Gardens

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee recommend to Council that The Community Gardens Policy and all attachments be adopted.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To establish a policy for the implementation of Community Gardens.

TIME CRITICAL:

The garden plots will be allocated by March 31, 2014.

BACKGROUND:

In the spring of 2013 the community garden plots were assigned on an informal basis for a one year trial period. Although the required work is not completely finalized we are at the point that a formal policy can be implemented. Consideration was given concerning length of terms, plot renewal, and wait list opportunities.

PROJECT INFORMATION:

The policy was determined by collaboration with Mayor and Council and is a result of majority approval.

A policy has been established and attachments are included such as:

• Schedule A – Community Gardens Terms and Conditions
• Schedule B – View Royal Park Community Gardens – Plot Agreement and Release
• Schedule C – Map of Community Gardens, View Royal Park
• Schedule D – Community Garden Plot Legend

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:

Costs of maintaining the Community Gardens are incorporated in the ongoing maintenance operations of View Royal Park and are included in the 2014 Operations Parks budget.

Future revenue generated will go towards future expansion, maintenance or upgrades of the Community Gardens.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council continues to assign plots on an informal basis similar to what was done in 2013, as referred to in the Background Description.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee recommend to Council that The Community Gardens Policy and all attachments be adopted.

SUBMITTED BY:
John Rosenberg
Director of Engineering

REVIEWED BY:
Kim Anema
Chief Administrative Officer