The City of Richmond wants to know where its residents would like to see community gardens.
New community gardens are planned throughout the city, including 200 plots at the Garden City Lands, recently approved by the Agricultural Land Commission.
Urban Bounty (formerly Richmond Food Security Society) maintains the 11 community gardens with 400 plots throughout the city, and they report there is a long and growing waitlist, especially in Steveston and along the Railway Greenway.
The issue came to the forefront at city council earlier this year when a group of Steveston residents pleaded with council to change a location of a planned garden, proposed on a greenway next to their complex, Birchwood Estates.
According to city spokesperson Clay Adams, new community gardens won’t proceed without Richmond city council approval.
There are currently seven identified sites along the Railway Greenway from Blundell to south of Steveston Highway that the city is considering for community gardens.
However, the city states in its survey that these sites are “conceptual,” and, if one is chosen for a garden, there will be further consultation.
The online survey to solicit feedback will be conducted until Sept. 12 and this information will be included in a report going to city council later in the fall.
In a new release, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said getting resident feedback on community gardens means the city will be able to better tailor them.
“These gardens build community by bringing people together to share their gardening knowledge and stories. The numerous benefits derived from community gardens deem them special places and the city would like to offer more,” said Brodie.
To participate in the survey, click here.
