FAQs

A community garden is a shared space where people grow food together, share knowledge, and build connections. Gardens can range from small, raised beds in parks to larger allotment garden plots.

Community gardens help people:

• Access fresh, healthy food
• Connect with neighbours and build community
• Improve mental and physical wellbeing
• Care for the environment

Ottawa has more than 140 community gardens, including 30 on City-owned land.

A community-led greening initiative is any local project that makes public spaces greener and healthier. These projects don’t always grow food, they might focus on planting native species, supporting pollinators, or restoring natural areas. Examples include:

• Pollinator or native plant gardens
• Naturalization and small-scale restoration projects
• Ornamental or community enhancement plantings

These efforts help improve biodiversity, air and water quality, and community pride.

Both types of projects bring people together to care for shared spaces and make Ottawa greener and more welcoming.

Community gardens focus on growing food and building food security.

Greening initiatives focus on environmental restoration and biodiversity.

The City supports both under one program - so groups can share resources, apply through a single process, and collaborate easily.

This City of Ottawa program, led by the Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services (RCFS) Department, helps residents and community groups start and maintain gardens or greening projects on City-owned land. It provides:

• Access to suitable City spaces
• Guidance and technical support
• A single, coordinated application and review process (called the GATE process)

The program supports City goals for sustainability, community wellbeing, and climate action.

Not-for-profit groups including incorporated and unincorporated organizations can apply to:

• Create or manage a community garden
• Develop a greening project, such as a pollinator garden, native planting area, or naturalized space

Eligible applicants may include community associations, resident-led groups, environmental groups, and other non-profit organizations working to support community gardening or greening initiatives.

Application Periods

Applications will open in early 2026, along with information sessions and a “How-To Guide” to help groups prepare their applications.

For 2026 only, there will be three intake periods:

• First intake: Early 2026 (now closed)
• Second intake: April 7 – May 5, 2026
• Third intake: A later intake period in Fall 2026 (exact dates will be announced)

Groups that are not ready for the current intake are encouraged to prepare their applications for the next available period.

Note: In future program years, the program will move to two intake cycles per year:

• Spring intake
• Fall intake

Information sessions may be offered to help applicants understand the program requirements, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Information sessions may be offered to help applicants understand the program requirements, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Where to Find More Information

Program updates, application materials, and guidance documents will be posted on the City of Ottawa website:

Details will be posted at ottawa.ca/gardens

For questions, email communitygardens@ottawa.ca