Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-08-030 - Shuh Island Community Garden ) R Community Services Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Community Services Committee March 31 , 2008 Prepared By: Jim Witmer Director of Operations Ted Potworka Supervisor of Horticulture 2 Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: Subject: March 17, 2008 CSD-08-030 SHUH ISLAND COMMUNITY GARDEN RECOMMENDATION: That a one-time grant in the amount of $785.00 be given to the Shuh Island Garden Group for the startup of Shuh Island Community Garden, which includes: a) Services in kind: compost, woodchips, rototilling and sod removal $285.00 b) Cash grant $500.00 and; further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any and all necessary agreements with the Shuh Island Garden Group, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, allowing the Shuh Island Community Garden to be located on public lands known as the Shuh Avenue. BACKGROUND: Council Policy 1-400 addresses Community Gardens and recognizes them as a community development activity with far reaching benefits. The policy outlines the conditions for the approval of new gardens and the type of support the City of Kitchener can offer. The policy provides for a contribution normally not to exceed $1 ,000 to assist with the start up of a community garden. Operating funding to cover the costs associated with community gardens was approved in the year 2008 operating budget. REPORT: Attached is a proposal from the Shuh Island Garden Group. The neighbourhood residents wish to beautify the traffic island with a garden of shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, mulch, and stone. The proposed landscaping will eliminate the turf area at this location and residents will construct, plant and maintain the garden surface areas. Information has been distributed to the Report No: CSD-08-030 2 neighbourhood and there appears to be unanimous support by residents residing on the street for the garden project. Staff has met with the gardeners and is also in support of the project. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The $785.00 cost for startup consists of combined services in kind and cash grant. The community gardens operating budget for 2006 includes $13,766 which can support approximately 13 new garden initiatives as one-time expenditures. COMMUNICATIONS: N/A CONCLUSION: N/A Jim Witmer Director of Operations Ted Potworka Supervisor of Horticulture