The Municipality of Chatham-Kent wants to know where residents think a new community garden could do the most good.
The new garden is being constructed through the Chatham‑Kent Food Policy Council and CK Public Health, as an expansion of the Community Gardens Program.
"I'd love to see a community garden in every ward so all Chatham-Kent residents have the chance to get involved. Expanding the program one garden at a time is our first step toward that goal," said Councillor Morena McDonald. "That's why we're asking residents to help us decide where the next garden should grow."
The proposed sites include:
• Ward 1 – Tilbury: Kirkham Park (94 Massey Dr)
• Ward 2 – Blenheim: Forsyth Park (24 Gary Avenue)
• Ward 3 – Thamesville: Ferguson Park (2 Wallace St)
• Ward 3 – Bothwell: Victoria Park (498 Elm St W)
A short survey can be found here, and is available until April 1.
The purpose of the survey is to understand which of the four locations has the most community interest in participating in the Community Gardens Program. Specifically, it's meant to help identify residents who are interested in having a garden plot for personal use and those who may be interested in taking on a volunteer leadership role at a garden site.
"Your input through this survey will directly shape the future of this project and ensure the garden is placed where it can be best supported and be most beneficial," stated Councillor Carmen McGregor, who is also the CK Food Policy Council Chair.
Chatham-Kent Council and the municipality aren't the only groups in favour of a new community garden.
"Community gardens are a great way for people to develop skills and find satisfaction in the planting and growing process," said Brenda LeClair, Executive Director of Chatham Outreach for Hunger. "There is satisfaction in producing your own food."
LeClair added that the gardens do make a difference when it comes to food security in the region.
"I believe they do make a difference, in as much as produce is shared with agencies, allowing for a broader reach," she said, though she added that gardens can only do so much and that food insecurity continues to be a growing concern in CK.
"We at Outreach are seeing high numbers of families on a regular basis," LeClair explained.
The new community garden is set to open in May 2026.
