PLUS How to Start a Community Garden workshop, Jan 21st
As many of you will have been following across the years, the City of Ottawa has been working on updating their policies for community gardening on City lands.
Just Food has worked closely with the new City staff team to transition information from the many years of continued partnership in bringing forward new community gardening initiatives on City land.
The City of Ottawa is now accepting applications (until February 3 2026) for new community gardens, or upgrades and expansions to existing gardens, located on City land.
If your community garden is on City land, or you’re exploring a new gardening project on City land, this is an important opportunity to access approvals to move your project forward.
The Community Gardening Network will continue to be here to provide support as you navigate the application process; we welcome you to contact us at info@justfood.ca as needed.
Click here for more information
on applying to access City land for your community gardening project.
The City is also hosting an information session next week:
January 14, 6:30–8 pm (Nepean Sportsplex, Hall A)
Please note: all long-standing requests have been reviewed through an internal City process separate to this new application. This application process is for new and/or updated requests.
The Community Gardening Network is here to support you!
Community groups are encouraged to reach out to us for support with planning and next steps, or to walk through the application process together if interested in accessing City land.
We are also of course here to provide support for ALL new and existing gardening initiatives on any lands, including NCC, school, private, faith group lands, etc).
Eligible gardening projects on any lands can also apply for funding through the Community Garden Development Fund, which supports community gardening initiatives across Ottawa.
Click here to read more about the Community Garden Development Fund.
If you have any questions, or would like feedback/support on a specific project, please contact us at info@justfood.ca.
To learn more about starting a community gardening project, including an overview of the supports the CGN provides (i.e. free bank account, access to insurance, and much more!) we invite you to our upcoming workshop:
How to Start A Community Garden Workshop
Wednesday, January 21st, at 6:30pm
via Zoom
Click here to register
About the workshop:
Join us to learn about the steps you need to take to start a community gardenin the Ottawa region. Learn everything you need to know to make your community garden a reality, including:
- How to search for land
- How to access City and NCC land
- Information on garden design, building, leadership, & communityoutreach
- How to apply for funding through the Community GardeningDevelopment Fund (CGDF)
- Important tips for long-term success!
Suitable for new gardens, or existing gardens looking to onboard new volunteer coordinators.
No experience required – simply your passion for local and organic food security!
Please share with your fellow gardeners.
Thank you all for your continued commitment to community gardening!
