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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-08-075 - Kilkerran-Biehn Community Garden1 R Community Services REPORT Report To: Community Services Committee Date of Meeting: September 8, 2008 Submitted By: Jim Witmer Director of Operations Prepared By: Ted Potworka Supervisor of Horticulture Wards) Involved: 4 Date of Report: August 19, 2008 Report No.: CSD-08-075 Subject: KILKERRAN-BIEHN COMMUNITY GARDEN RECOMMENDATION: That aone-time grant in the amount of $317.50 be given to the Kilkerran-Biehn Garden Group for the startup of Kilkerran-Biehn Corner Community Garden, which includes: a) Services in kind: topsoil, compost, woodchips, and sod removal $ 77.50 b) Cash grant $240.00 and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any and all necessary agreements with the Kilkerran-Biehn Garden Group, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, allowing the Kilkerran-Biehn Community Garden to be located on public lands known as Kilkerran Crescent. BACKGROUND: Council Policy I-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 No: CSD-08-075 REPORT: 2 Attached is a proposal from the Kilkerran-Biehn Garden Group. The neighbourhood residents wish to beautify the corner boulevard with a garden of shrubs and perennials. The proposed landscaping will transform a portion of the turf area at this location and residents will construct plant and maintain the garden area. Information has been distributed to the 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 $317.50 cost for startup consists of combined services in kind and cash grant. The Community Gardens operating budget for 2008 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