By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Residents across Chatham-Kent are being invited to help determine the location of the municipality’s next community garden as the Chatham‑Kent Food Policy Council, in partnership with CK Public Health, launches a public survey to guide the decision. The initiative follows Municipal Council’s December 15, 2025 approval to expand the Community Gardens Program, opening the door for new growing spaces across the region.
Councillor Morena McDonald, who introduced the motion to expand the program in June 2025, says the long‑term vision is to ensure every ward has access to a shared gardening space. She noted that community input is essential to choosing the next location.
“I’d love to see a community garden in every ward so all Chatham-Kent residents have the chance to get involved,” McDonald said. “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.”
Residents interested in growing food or volunteering as a garden site leader are encouraged to complete a short survey at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/gardens by April 1, 2026. The survey allows participants to indicate their interest in gardening or volunteering at one of four proposed sites across the municipality.
The proposed locations include Kirkham Park in Tilbury, Forsyth Park in Blenheim, Ferguson Park in Thamesville, and Victoria Park in Bothwell. These sites were selected to ensure geographic balance and to support the goal of expanding community gardens into more neighbourhoods.
Councillor Carmen McGregor, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council, emphasized the importance of community participation in shaping the project.
“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,” McGregor said. “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.”
The final location will be chosen based on community interest and the availability of a volunteer garden site leader to help oversee the garden’s operations. The new community garden is expected to open in May 2026.
The Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council is a community‑based group dedicated to strengthening the local food system by bringing together organizations, producers, service providers, businesses, government partners, and residents to support policies and programs that make local food more accessible, affordable, and sustainable.
