Community Gardens

To be considered for the waiting list, the applicant must:

• be a resident of Westmount;
• live in an apartment or otherwise not have access to land for cultivation;
• provide two proofs of residency.

The community garden is shared public land that Westmount makes available to residents for growing vegetables. It is intended for those that do not have access to any land for cultivation. Members are expected to participate fully and cooperatively towards the maintenance and enhancement of the gardens.

Eligibility and Allocation of Garden Plots

• To be considered for the waiting list, the applicant must:
  • be a resident of Westmount
  • live in an apartment or otherwise not have access to land for cultivation
  • provide two proofs of residency.
• No more than one application per civic address will be accepted.
• Newly available plots will be assigned by a waiting list each year by the Sports & Recreation Department.

Membership and Fees

• New members: When a garden plot is assigned, the new member will be required to pay the annual membership fee of $15 to the Sports and Recreation Department.
• Renewal: Members may retain their garden plots each year by re-registering at the Sports and Recreation Department (Westmount Recreation Center (4675 Sainte-Catherine West) before March 21th, 2025 and pay the $15 fee.
• A proof of residency will be required this year in the name of the plot holder.
• Renewal Deadline (Important) :
  • Failure to register before March 21th, 2025 will result in the re-allocation of your garden without exceptions. Members will not be contacted after the deadline has passed to remind them.
• Plots are not transferable: Plots that become available due to non-renewal are re-assigned by the Sports and Recreation Department.

Growing Season

• Spring: The season begins in late April, as soon as the soil is ready to work. The plot must be prepared and planted by June 1st. After June 1st, untouched plots will be re-assigned to another resident on the waiting list.
  • For periods of prolonged absence, gardeners must find someone to maintain their garden.
• Fall: Gardens must be cleaned and prepared for winter by October 31st. Some exceptions may be made for late-harvest vegetables and flowers, but the remainder of the plot must be tidied.

Maintenance of Gardens

• General inquiries: the Public Works Department will take care of the maintenance of the community gardens. For any problems related to the operations of the community gardens such as water leaks, damaged wood borders/tool sheds/gates/fences, lock issues, broken hoses that may need replacing or repairs please call 514 989-5268 (Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Plots: All seeds and plants must be provided by the member. Each gardener is responsible for watering, weeding and all other maintenance of their plot. Plots that are not maintained throughout the season will be reassigned the following year.
• Pathways: Each gardener is responsible for keeping the adjacent pathways free of obstacles and weed.
• Common areas: Members are expected to cooperate in maintaining the common areas.
• Waste: Each member is responsible for disposing of his/her own garden debris either as waste or as compost in areas designated by the Public Works Department.

Tools and Equipement

Sheds and boxes are provided for the storage of tools and all members are provided with a key. Tools and equipment stored in the box are for everyone’s use. Westmount is not responsible for the loss or damage of this equipment. Power tools are not permitted, except for spring tilling.

Pesticides and Fertilizers

Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are strictly forbidden. Members are required to use organic methods, including crop rotation, companion planting and ecological pest control. More information on these methods is available at the Westmount Library. Westmount has maintained all public green spaces pesticide-free since 1990.

Restrictions

• Hours: The gardens are open from dawn until sunset.
• Fences and structures: Westmount will provide and maintain raised-bed structures around each plot. Fences or other structures are not allowed. Treated or painted wood is not permitted
• Plants:
  • Plots are intended for vegetable growing. Companion flowers will be planted by the City along the outside of the garden fence.
  • No trees, bushes or aggressively rooted plants are permitted.
  • No more than 25% of the plot area may be used for a single crop.
  • Tall crops must be planted so as not to shade another garden.
  • Members must control all plants within their own gardens and must not permit weeds or other invasive plants to encroach upon other plots.
• Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol is forbidden within the garden area.
• Pilfering: Any member who steals from or damages another members’ garden will automatically lose their plot.

Enforcement of Rules

Members that fail to observe the above rules will be asked to leave immediately and the garden plot will be assigned to another resident on the waiting list.