The future of the downtown community garden plots is a growing concern.
On Tuesday, garden organizers from the Squamish Climate Action Network spoke to councillors about the need to make long-term plans to move the gardens after the current land, leased from the August Jack Motel, was sold.
The Network has an annual lease for the two downtown plots along Main Street between Cleveland Avenue and Second Avenue.
Since the land was sold, the uncertainty of the site has impacted gardeners.
“I had a lot of concern from gardeners this year, and a lot of people were very upset that they couldn’t plan their winter crops because they didn’t know if it would exist. There’s sadness and frustration from a lot of the gardeners,” said garden manager Kyla Burrill.
The Network currently operates four different garden sites; two downtown, one in the Garibaldi Highlands and the Mamquam Edible School Yard Project.
The community gardens normally have a waitlist, according to Burrill, but uncertainty has affected sign-ups.
No development permit is currently before the District for the former August Jack land, although the current lease for the garden is up for renewal in October. Hinde said at this point it looks like they may have another year, but they are seeking a permanent solution.
On Tuesday, councillors reiterated how important the gardens are and committed to finding a solution for relocation, even if the solution involves locating smaller plots rather than a central garden.
“We absolutely see the value and importance, you don’t have to convince us of that, we just need a way to strategize,” said Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “Our challenge is the municipality owns very little downtown land.”
The community garden organizers suggested the strip of land east of Loggers Lane downtown, but the District already has plans for the area.
Instead, Eaglewind Park, in the northwest corner of downtown, was suggested as an option, as well as possible Crown land or school board land that could be utilized.
Hinde said she was optimistic following the meeting.
“I think there will be a plan in place to replace these gardens, but it will take a while to do it, but it will happen,” said Hinde. “Nobody wants to see it disappear.”
“The garden is an awesome spot to be. People are working in their gardens and chat, they get to know their neighbours. Community gardeners also get to connect to the earth. The first part of being connected to your food is finding out where it comes from and the effort that it takes to get that food on your plate,” she explained to council during the meeting.
Council passed a motion to direct District staff to create a list of accessible land where the community gardens could be relocated. In the long-term, councillors agreed a larger strategy to preserve community gardens downtown is needed.
