Community Gardens

Imagine a place where people come together to grow fresh food, share gardening tips and build lasting friendships.

Welcome to the City of Windsor's community gardens, where every seed planted grows more than just food: it grows connection, learning and a greener future for all.

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
🧠 Being in nature and working with plants can improve physical and mental health

Current Community Garden Locations

Ward 2: Ernest Atkinson Park (2005 Riverside Drive West)
Ward 2: South Merritt Park (1030 Merritt Drive)
Ward 2: Bridgeview Park (1899 Grove Avenue)
Ward 3: Wigle Park (397 Erie Street East)
Ward 3: Mitchell Park (399 Giles Boulevard West)
Ward 3: Caron Avenue Parkette (774 Caron Avenue)
Ward 4: Optimist Park (1075 Ypres Avenue)
Ward 4: Lens Avenue Greenbelt (758 Lens Avenue)
Ward 5: Ford City (970 Drouillard Road)

Explore Windsor's vibrant network of community gardens with our interactive map below!

If the interactive map does not load, please refer to Community Garden Locations.

Creating a New Community Garden

Interested in starting a community garden next spring? The Community Gardens on Municipal Property Procedure outlines the framework for establishing and operating community gardens on City-owned land. Through this document, the City of Windsor supports community-led gardening initiatives by providing access to municipal property and assisting with the initial setup. This includes preparing garden beds; supplying mulch, soil and a water source; and offering guidance through the consultation process.

Once the garden is up and running, the responsibility for day-to-day care and ongoing maintenance, such as watering, weeding, seasonal upkeep, and tool management, is the responsibility of the garden coordinator and participating gardeners.

Any committed group of individuals can apply for a community garden. A designated garden coordinator (alternative contact recommended) will be the immediate point of contact with the City. The City's environmental and sustainability coordinator will support the garden coordinator through the application process.

When applying for land to operate a community garden, we suggest you consult the list below of pre-approved 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: Veteran's Memorial Park (1120 Cousineau Road)
Ward 2: Crowley Park (3325 College Avenue)
Ward 4: Lanspeary Park (1250 Langlois)
Ward 7: Magnolia Park (1703 Magnolia Avenue)
Ward 8: Fontainebleu Park (2960 Rivard Avenue)
Ward 10: Remington Booster Park (2710 Lillian Avenue)

To apply, please complete the New Community Garden Application Form. This application is for the creation of community gardens on the City of Windsor–owned property only. Applications should be received by October 31 to begin the selection process for the growing season the following year. Once the requirements are met, the City will inform you about your status by January 31. Every gardener who plans to participate in the garden must complete and submit the Gardener Waiver by May 15 or before gardening activities begin.

All documents must be sent via email to emp@citywindsor.ca or by mail to:

Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator
350 City Hall Square West, Suite 410D
Windsor, Ontario
Canada
N9A 6S1

Renewing a Community Garden

If you are already a garden coordinator for a community garden, you can renew your agreement with the City annually by completing the Community Garden Renewal Form. The deadline to submit the Community Garden Renewal Form is October 31 of the current year to begin the selection process for the growing season the following year. Once requirements are met, the City will inform you about your status by January 31. Every gardener who plans to participate in the garden must complete and submit the Gardener Waiver by May 15 or before gardening activities begin.

All documents must be sent via email to emp@citywindsor.ca or by mail to:

Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator
350 City Hall Square West, Suite 410D
Windsor, Ontario
Canada
N9A 6S1

Success Stories

Text bubble with quotation marks "The gardens are about more than growing vegetables; they grow community."

"I have met so many people from different socioeconomic classes, nationalities and with varying levels of gardening knowledge. The people who know the most are always learning to share and teach. I look forward to meeting even more people. I've also entertained the idea of language learning/sharing to strengthen our community and to help others communicate better."

Help us grow!

Every contribution, big or small, helps to support local community gardens to help residents grow fresh, healthy food and build stronger neighbourhoods. We gratefully accept monetary donations and donations of gardening tools (shovels, rakes, gloves), seeds and seedlings, soil, compost, mulch, signs, rain barrels and other supplies.

To arrange a drop-off or pick-up, please contact the Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator at emp@citywindsor.ca by email.

Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)

Documents

For more information on Community Gardens:

Phone: For general information, call 311. For detailed inquiries, contact emp@citywindsor.ca by email.