FAQs
- Access fresh, healthy food
- Connect with neighbours and build community
- Improve mental and physical wellbeing
- Care for the environment
- Pollinator or native plant gardens
- Naturalization and small-scale restoration projects
- Ornamental or community enhancement plantings
- Access to suitable City spaces
- Guidance and technical support
- A single, coordinated application and review process (called the GATE process)
- Create or manage a community garden
- Develop a greening project like a pollinator garden or naturalized space
What is a community garden?
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:
Ottawa has more than 140 community gardens, including 30 on City-owned land.
What is a community-led greening initiative?
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:
These efforts help improve biodiversity, air and water quality, and community pride.
How do community gardens and greening initiatives work together?
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.
What is the Community-led Greening Initiatives and Gardening Program?
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:
The program supports City goals for sustainability, community wellbeing, and climate action.
Who can apply and when?
Not-for-profit groups - incorporated or unincorporated organizations can apply to:
Applications will open in early 2026, along with info sessions and a “How-To Guide” to help groups prepare.
Details will be posted at www.ottawa.ca
For questions, email communitygardens@ottawa.ca