Ville de Westmount > Westmount Community Garden Contract

Westmount Community Garden Contract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Westmount Community Gardens will be reopening on May 18th, 2020.

The Community Gardens play a key part in the overall health of our community. The Gardens are an important source of fresh produce for many residents and provide a space where members can enjoy nature and physical exercise. Unfortunately, due to physical distancing recommendations by the Government’s public health department, the City cannot allow gathering and socializing in the gardens. The main vocation of the gardens during COVID-19 is to provide food for our residents.

The safety of our residents is of prime importance, particularly during these times. The rules are based on the Government of Quebec’s COVID-19 safety guidelines, and all gardeners are expected to follow these rules at all times for personal and community safety. La Direction de la santé publique recommends that gardeners over the age of 70 should not participate this season due to the risks of COVID-19, however they are not restricted from doing so.

GARDENERS INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Gardeners must read and agree to the Westmount Community Gardens contract conditions.
  • Fill in the form below no later than May 15th, 2020. Make sure to click the submit button and it will be automatically sent to the Sports and Recreation Department.
  • Gardeners will only then be given a “Garden Identification Card” which must be visible at all times when in the garden. Gardeners with no Garden Identification Card will not be permitted in the garden.

1.

Gardeners that are in agreement with the contract will receive a Garden Identification Card and a lanyard, which must be worn visibly around their necks for the duration of the time in the gardens. The ID card will include the plot number as well as information on which time slot, door, hose and shovel each gardener will be allowed to use.

2.

The City will appoint a Garden Monitor to both the Hallowell and Hillside Community Gardens. The Garden Monitor will be responsible for checking each gardener in and out of the gardens and assuring gardeners use and clean the assigned tools. The garden monitor will also check to make sure soap is available throughout the day for gardeners to clean tools and hands properly.

3.

Any form of confrontation with the Garden Monitor or with other gardeners will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate and permanent loss of the garden plot.

4.

Each gardener must keep a minimum distance of 2 metres from all other members while inside the gardens. Gardeners must present the Gardener Identification Card to the Garden Monitor from a distance of 2 metres before entering and after exiting the gardens.

5.

Only registered Westmount Community Garden members are permitted in the gardens. The City will assign individual time slots in an effort to reduce contact.

Only one gardener per plot will be allowed. Residents may not send a family member or friend to maintain their garden in their place. If the plot is registered to a family, please specify below which family member will be designated to enter the gardens this season.

Members who do not feel comfortable maintaining their gardens during COVID-19 are asked to identify themselves on this contract, and their plot will be reserved until the COVID-19 situation is over.

Members who are uncomfortable entering the gardens during COVID-19 may ask an existing member to maintain their garden. This additional maintenance must be completed during the working gardener’s assigned time, and no additional time will be added to their time slot. The secondary plot number will be added to the working member’s identification card.

6.

At all times, gardeners must wear gloves and masks inside the garden and in the presence of the Garden Monitor. The City will not provide masks or gloves. Masks and gloves may not be stored in the Community Gardens.

Gardeners must wash their hands with soap before and after entering the gardens.

Gardeners must bring their own hand tools, which must be brought home at the end of each gardening session.

The City will provide assigned shovels and hoses, which will be used by certain groups of individuals throughout the day and will remain in the gardens all summer. The City will provide soap, however, it is recommended that you bring your own soap or hand sanitizer and rags to limit shared touched surfaces.

Members are responsible for cleaning all tools, hoses and touched surfaces before and after use. The Garden Monitor is in place to ensure this is followed.

The City will provide spring compost.

Due to COVID-19, the washrooms at the Westmount Athletic Grounds will remain closed.

Please note that these rules are based on the Government of Quebec’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines and are in addition to the current Community Garden rules.

The City has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and not applying the specific COVID-19 rules. Any gardener who does not adhere to the rules outlined above will immediately and permanently lose their garden plot.

Widespread diversion from the rules will result in the loss of gardening privileges for all members.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Stay safe.