Chatham-Kent’s Community Gardens program could soon expand.
Councillor Morena McDonald has requested a report from administration on growing the program that promotes food literacy and community engagement across all wards.
The report would explore a partnership with Public Health and include associated costs, a list of accessible and suitable locations for new community gardens, and potential opportunities for sponsorships, naming rights, and grants to help offset expenses.
Currently, there are seven community gardens across Chatham-Kent — five in Chatham, one in Dresden, and one in Wallaceburg. With new 2026 ward boundaries in mind, at least three wards may be without a garden.
The start-up cost for a community garden is about $4,000, with ongoing yearly maintenance around $2,000. McDonald noted that the expansion would also require staff support from Chatham-Kent Public Health to help with the initial development.
Expanding community gardens aligns with the CK Food Strategy, which includes a focus on edible landscaping and increasing access to food-growing spaces.
