Chatham-Kent residents are being invited to help select the location of the municipality’s next community garden as part of an expansion of the Community Gardens Program.
The Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council, in partnership with CK Public Health, launched the consultation following municipal council’s approval on Dec. 15, 2025 to expand the program. The initiative aims to increase access to local food and encourage community involvement across Chatham-Kent.
“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. That’s why we’re asking residents to help us decide where the next garden should grow,” said Councillor Morena McDonald, who introduced the motion to expand the program in June 2025.
Residents who are interested in growing food or volunteering as a garden site leader are encouraged to complete a short online survey by April 1, 2026, at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/gardens. The survey allows participants to indicate interest in gardening or volunteering at proposed locations in Tilbury, Blenheim, Thamesville and Bothwell.
CK Food Policy Council chair Councillor Carmen McGregor said community input will play a key role in the project’s success.
“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. This is a chance for community voices to guide community action, and we encourage everyone interested to take a few minutes to share their thoughts.”
Officials say the final site selection will be based on demonstrated community interest and the availability of a volunteer garden site leader to help oversee operations. The new community garden is expected to open in May 2026.
The Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council is a community-based group that advocates for a strong local food system by bringing together organizations, food producers, service providers, businesses, government partners and residents to support policies and programs that make local food more accessible, affordable, available and sustainable.
