COURTNEY McCLURE, The Standard
UXBRIDGE: The Township of Uxbridge is building and planting a community garden and thus has created a ‘Garden Committee’.
The garden will be used for growing food, like vegetables and fruit. Some plots may also contain flowers.
According to Chief Administrative Officer Kristi Honey, this idea was brought forth by a local resident.
The garden is in the planning stages, but its goal is to open in the spring of 2023. The committee and staff have yet to choose a location.
The Garden Committee will be responsible for the design and planning of the garden. The Township will also be supporting this project, to make sure certain standards are met.
People are not allowed to use chemical fertilizer or pesticides in the Community Garden. And the sale of any produce, which comes from the garden, is prohibited.
The plan also says gardeners may garden at their own convenience, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., from April 1st to October 31st. Starting in November, residence can garden from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from November 1st – March 31st. There will be no work on the garden, permitted, outside this timeframe.
Ms. Honey explained, “Community gardens contribute to community engagement, awareness and education.” It will also increase ‘self-reliance’ throughout the Uxbridge community and much more.
The Community Garden will support the Township’s Strategic Plan, as it will ensure an inclusive, healthy, encouraging active community and help protect and conserve natural wildlife.
An Uxbridge Community Garden will also help continue economic growth and create a sound financial future through respectable land-use practices and self-reliance.
“The intention of the Community Garden Program is to support community engagement, leadership and learning within our community, by empowering volunteers to establish, operate and maintain gardens on Township-owned land,” stated Ms. Honey.