Community Gardens

Community Gardens on Municipal Property

Greenery in a community garden
A community garden is a place where people come together to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. The food grown at a community garden is shared within the community.

What are the benefits of a community garden?

  • Provides a source of healthy, fresh food for the community;
  • Enhances habitat for bees, birds and other animals;
  • Fosters community spirit and interaction;
  • Limits the use of pesticides and manufactured fertilizer;
  • Creates a thriving neighbourhood gathering place;
  • Increases the absorption of stormwater into the ground;
  • Provides education to the community about growing food.

Our community garden program

The Community Gardens on Municipal Property Program provides a structure and process for community gardens on City-owned property. The City of Windsor is providing the land for use. Site preparation, materials, operation and maintenance of the community garden will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Current gardens

Wigle Park 
397 Erie Street East

Mitchell Park 
325 Giles Boulevard West

Caron Avenue Parkette (formerly Bruce Park Garden)
774 Caron Avenue

Atkinson Park 
2005 Riverside Drive West

Ford City Community Garden 
970 Drouillard Road

South Merritt Park 
1030 Merritt Drive

Optimist Park (New) 
1075 Ypres Avenue

Bridgeview 
1899 Grove Avenue

Lens Avenue Greenbelt 
758 Lens Avenue

Recommended parks for community gardens

The list below and associated location map show the parks recommended for community gardens. When applying for land to operate a community garden, we suggest you consult this list of parks. Municipal properties, such as parks not on the list or vacant lots, may still be applied for; however, the process may take longer.

  • Ward 1, Veterans' Memorial Park
  • Ward 2, Crowley Park
  • Ward 4, Lanspeary Park
  • Ward 7, Magnolia Park
  • Ward 8, Fontainebleu Park

New Community Gardens

The following parks are currently under consideration for community garden placement:

  • Derwent Park

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Environment & Sustainability Coordinator at:

emp@citywindsor.ca

(519) 255-6100 ext. 6108

Who can apply for a community garden on municipal property?

In 2021, City Council revised the Community Gardens Policy to enhance access to the gardens. Any committed group of individuals can apply for a community garden. A community garden coordinator (alternative contact recommended) will be the point of contact with the City. The City's environment and sustainability coordinator will support the community garden coordinator through the application process.

How to apply to start a community garden

Eggplant on a vineThis application is for the creation of community gardens on the City of Windsor-owned property only. To apply, please print and complete the application form. 

Applications should be received by October 31 of the current year to begin the selection process for the growing season the following year.

Submit your application via email to emp@citywindsor.ca or by mail to:

Environment & Sustainability Coordinator
350 City Hall Square West, Suite 410
Windsor, Ontario
N9A 6S1
(519) 255-6100 ext. 6108

For more information on community gardens in Windsor-Essex

Please visit www.wegarden.ca online.

For more information on environmental initiatives

Phone: For general information call 311. For detailed inquiries call (519) 255-6100 ext. 6108.
Email: emp@citywindsor.ca