Chatham-Kent Council has approved a motion aimed at expanding the municipality’s Community Gardens program to all wards.
The motion, brought forward by East Kent Councillor Morena McDonald and approved during the June 23, 2025, council meeting, directs municipal administration to prepare a report exploring the feasibility of growing the existing program.
Currently overseen by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, the Community Gardens program supports food literacy and community education.
McDonald’s motion highlighted the alignment between the initiative and several municipal strategies, including the CK Food Policy Council’s priority to increase food literacy opportunities and the CK Food Strategy’s call to provide resources for community gardens and edible landscaping.
“There is a growing number of residents across Chatham-Kent who are interested in the community gardens program,” McDonald said in her motion.
The forthcoming report will include potential partnership opportunities with Public Health, projected costs, a list of accessible and appropriate locations for new gardens, and funding possibilities through sponsorships, naming rights, and grants.
