Petition: Allow community gardens to open
Wasaga Beach community gardens – AWARE Simcoe file photo
From Bonnie North, Green Party of Ontario
We think the government made a mistake by issuing a mandatory closure of all community gardens in Ontario due to COVID-19
It’s an oversight they can quickly correct.
The province classified community gardens as a recreational activity, like ice rinks and swimming pools, instead of an essential food service like grocery stores.
There are many things that are not essential right now. Food production isn’t one of them.
This decision means that tens of thousands of families – not to mention food banks – have lost access to affordable fresh fruit and vegetables they depend on.
Protect Local Food
There is a way to keep community gardens open, while keeping people safe.
Provinces like BC have done it, and we can too – with the physical distancing and safety guidelines that other essential services are following.
People across Ontario have invested time and money to prepare for this growing season.
And with the uncertainty of global food supplies, now is not the time to prohibit local production.
Sign our petition to re-open community gardens.
All gardens provide food and in this time, community gardens should be considered essential food sources
I signed a petition to this effect, but later found I was not comfortable to think of opening a garden that was not fenced or otherwise supervised.
I signed this too – but I agree with you Julie, there needs to be fencing and supervision.
It is important for people who want to grow their own food but don’t have any other access to land, to be able to plant and grow their own food. It’s not too late in the year to make that change in the regulations