Feb. 10, 2025 – The City of St. Catharines is providing funding to help community
gardens take root.
The City is once again supporting community groups wanting to establish new
community gardens or to improve existing gardens. Applications for the annual program
are now open, providing the opportunity for incorporated charities, not-for-profit groups,
and unincorporated associations and neighbourhood groups, to apply to receive
matching funds from the City for as much as half of eligible start-up costs, including
lumber, soil, seeds, rain barrels and other materials and equipment.
“Community gardens are an incredible source of produce, and horticulture knowledge,
and also fulfill our mission of sustainable community involvement and community
building through gardening,” said Mike Kraft, the City’s Development Horticultural
Technician. “This program is a great opportunity for the City to collaborate with
community partners who are passionate to share our vision of fostering environmental
stewardship and social wellbeing.”
Applicants must identify projected funding sources, a proposed budget, a detailed work
plan, and a projected timeline. All projects must be completed by Oct. 31, 2025;
however, preference may be given to projected that can be completed earlier. The
funding application outlines all the program details, including evaluation criteria.
The purpose of these gardens is to grow produce for personal consumption, create
environmental benefits, and build healthier and more-vibrant communities. The program
hopes to reach at-risk populations by collaborating with community organizations that
will donate a portion of harvests to the vulnerable sector through their support services.
Applications will be open until Friday, March 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
For more information and to apply, visit stcatharines.ca/CommunityGardens.