1. ACCESS TO GARDENS
1.1 ELIGIBILITY
Community gardens are reserved exclusively for residents of Montréal. Priority will be given to residents of
the borough.
the borough.
1.2 ADDRESS
Only one garden plot per street address will be allocated. Family members living at the same address are
authorized to use the garden in the presence of the gardener registered with the borough.
authorized to use the garden in the presence of the gardener registered with the borough.
1.2.1
Gardeners may not work in more than one garden plot, unless they are designated as the
co-gardener, and gardeners may only work in one garden plot.
1.2.2
Gardeners may not assign a garden plot to another person.
1.3 CO-GARDENER
It is possible to have a co-gardener. The co-gardener must be identified in the garden file.
There can only be one co-gardener per garden. The co-gardener temporarily replaces the main gardener
when the latter has to be absent and/or helps the main gardener punctually with the management of its garden (see section 3.3).
The main gardener is fully responsible for the actions of his/her co-gardener. The latter must have a membership card.
The main gardener must still be active in the garden. The co-gardener is not considered a registered member
of the community garden program and must, if he wants to have his own garden, sign up on a waiting list.
1.4 FREE GARDEN PLOTS
After June 1, once the waiting list is exhausted and the allocation procedure has concluded, the borough will
allocate the remaining available garden plots in accordance with an agreement reached with the gardening
committee. The garden plots thus allocated will become available again the following year.
allocate the remaining available garden plots in accordance with an agreement reached with the gardening
committee. The garden plots thus allocated will become available again the following year.
1.5 OPENING AND CLOSING
The community gardens are open from sunrise to sunset, from May 1 to November 1.
1.6 PAYMENT AND MEMBERSHIP CARD
Gardeners must pay their membership fees to the borough upon renewing their membership. The gardening
committee will also charge a fee. The membership fee is payable by no later than the date of the annual
meeting. Recipients of social assistance are exempt from the fees charged by the borough. Failure to pay the
fees on time will result in the gardener being expelled without notice.
committee will also charge a fee. The membership fee is payable by no later than the date of the annual
meeting. Recipients of social assistance are exempt from the fees charged by the borough. Failure to pay the
fees on time will result in the gardener being expelled without notice.
1.6.1
| FEES | PLACE | RATE | DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borough | 815, rue Bel-Air | 12 $ | Upon membership renewal |
| Member | At the garden | Varies from garden to garden | June 1 |
1.7 IDENTIFICATION
Gardeners must close and lock the fence gate upon entering and leaving the garden.
1.8 KEY
Un jardinier doit fermer et barrer la porte de la clôture à son entrée et à sa sortie du jardin.
1.8.1
In the event of a non-renewal or an expulsion, gardeners must return their keys to the
gardening committee.
1.9 ANIMALS
Animals are not admitted to the gardens, with the exception of guide dogs.
It is forbidden to kill a wild animal in a garden.
Groundhog trapping is illegal except when all other attempts have failed.
Before soliciting a trapper, the committee must validate the criteria with the Borough.
1.10 BICYCLES
It is forbidden to ride a bicycle on the garden premises. Bicycles must be stored in the area provided for that
purpose.
purpose.
2. REGULATIONS
2.1
Any new internal regulation or regulation specific to a garden must be submitted to the borough and
put to a vote at the garden’s annual meeting before it is applied. The gardening committee will ensure that
garderners are duly notified about the regulation and that it is applied.
put to a vote at the garden’s annual meeting before it is applied. The gardening committee will ensure that
garderners are duly notified about the regulation and that it is applied.
3. MAINTENANCE OF GARDEN PLOTS
3.1 WEEDING
Gardeners must take proper care of their gardens by carrying out regular weeding inside and around their
garden plots.
garden plots.
The maintenance of common areas is the joint responsibility of the gardeners and planters.
3.2 GARDEN PATHS
Common paths adjacent to garden plots must be kept free of undesirable weeds. Gardeners are responsible for
maintaining the paths adjacent to their gardens. In addition, plants must not be allowed to grow beyond the
limits of garden plots, and objects may not be placed on the paths (tools, bags of earth, etc.).
maintaining the paths adjacent to their gardens. In addition, plants must not be allowed to grow beyond the
limits of garden plots, and objects may not be placed on the paths (tools, bags of earth, etc.).
3.3 ABSENCE
Gardeners who expect to be absent for a period of more than two weeks (vacation, illness, etc.) must advise
the gardening committee thereof. They are required to entrust their gardens to another person (member or
non-member) and must contact the borough by calling 311 to register that person as a co-gardener.
the gardening committee thereof. They are required to entrust their gardens to another person (member or
non-member) and must contact the borough by calling 311 to register that person as a co-gardener.
3.2.1
The borough must be able to contact the co-gardener.
3.4 MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
Gardeners may help one another on occasion, but may not work on another gardener’s plot on a regular basis.
Such a situation would be interpreted as a person holding two separate garden plots. Any person frequently
harvesting or maintaining a garden other than their own will be expelled (see 1.3).
Such a situation would be interpreted as a person holding two separate garden plots. Any person frequently
harvesting or maintaining a garden other than their own will be expelled (see 1.3).
3.5 PESTICIDES AND INSECTICIDES
Only ecological and biological control methods are accepted. Example: a physical barrier (without
nails or potential dangerous objects), natural pesticides (insecticide soap, neem, etc.) ou biotic
pesticides (sulfur, copper, etc.). The use of synthetic fertilizers is forbidden.
nails or potential dangerous objects), natural pesticides (insecticide soap, neem, etc.) ou biotic
pesticides (sulfur, copper, etc.). The use of synthetic fertilizers is forbidden.
3.6 TREATMENT
Gardeners must check regularly for invasive plants, parasites and pests. Garderners must take action to correct
the situation, where applicable. If treatment is deemed necessary, gardeners must apply it.
the situation, where applicable. If treatment is deemed necessary, gardeners must apply it.
3.7 BORDERS AND RAISEN GARDEN BOXES
Plants, arbors (sheds), structures and stakes must be installed 10 cm (4 in.) from the edge of the garden plot.
3.7.1
Boards may not be used to hold down the earth.
3.7.2
To ensure circulation, no object should be placed around the raised garden boxes.
3.7.3
In order to maximize the lifespan of the garden boxes, it is prohibited:
- to paint them;
- to enlarge them;
- attach things to it.
3.7.4
The exterior fences of the community garden cannot be used as support for plants or structures.
3.8 PLANTS OVERSHOOTING THE GARDEN BORDERS
No plants may extend beyond the garden plot. If the situation is not corrected after an initial warning from
the committee, the plants in question will be cut back.
the committee, the plants in question will be cut back.
3.9 GROUND LEVEL
The ground level must be one inch (three cm) below the level of the garden border.
3.10 WASTE
All gardeners must place their waste in the bags provided for that purpose. Waste must be sorted by type
(green waste, recycling, garbage). If garderners wish to leave plant waste on the ground, they must cut it to
a maximum length of six inches or 15 cm and spread it over the entire garden plot.
(green waste, recycling, garbage). If garderners wish to leave plant waste on the ground, they must cut it to
a maximum length of six inches or 15 cm and spread it over the entire garden plot.
If your garden is one of the 0 waste gardens (without waste bins), you must bring your recyclables and trash with you.
3.11 GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Gardeners must help maintain the community garden. They must put the tools back in their place, close
the taps after watering, put the hoses back in their proper place after watering, and keep the common
areas clean.
the taps after watering, put the hoses back in their proper place after watering, and keep the common
areas clean.
3.12 CLEANUP
Gardening committees are responsible for the cleanup schedules. Gardeners must take part in a minimum
number of cleanups.
number of cleanups.
3.13 MATERIALS
The materials used must be free of toxic products and designed for outdoor gardening.
4. SAFETY
The city reserves the right to expel without notice any person who violates the regulations cited
in the Safety section.
in the Safety section.
4.1 PEACE AND QUIET
A pleasant atmosphere is vital to the practice of any leisure activity. Any person whose comments,
conduct or attitude consistently undermines the peace and quiet of the premises will be expelled
without notice or recourse.
conduct or attitude consistently undermines the peace and quiet of the premises will be expelled
without notice or recourse.
4.2 ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
The consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs and cannabis is strictly forbidden.
It is also prohibited to smoke tobacco within nine meters of any part of the perimeter with tents, marquees
and other facilities that welcome the public. It is forbidden to smoke tobacco near a minor.
4.3 THEFT
It is strictly forbidden to steal vegetables or plants from another garden.
4.4 SALE
Growing for purposes of selling is stricktly forbidden.
4.5 AGGRESSION
No physical and verbal aggression towards other gardeners, municipal employees or committee members
will be tolerated.
will be tolerated.
4.6 URINATING
It is forbidden to urinate or defecate in the community gardens.
4.7 SEE AND BE SEEN
For safety purposes, a person must be able to see and be seen in a community garden. Plants and stakes
will thus be measured from the paths and not the garden plots. The following standards must be respected.
will thus be measured from the paths and not the garden plots. The following standards must be respected.
4.7.1
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT ALLOWED FROM THE PATHS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arbor (shed) | 3 feet | 1 m |
| Stakes | 4 feet | 1 m 20 |
| Plants | 5 feet | 1 m 50 |
| Raised beds | 6.5 feet | 2 m |
5. PLANTING AND SEEDING
5.1 SEEDING
Gardeners must seed or plant a minimum of 75% of their garden area by June 1, or they will be expelled
without notice.
without notice.
5.2 AREA CULTIVATED
75% of the garden area must be cultivated during the season.
5.3 VARIETY
A minimum of five different vegetable plants (including varieties) per garden is required.
5.4 FLOWERS, HERBS AND SMALL FRUITS
Together, they may occupy no more than 30% of the garden area.
5.5 FOOD PLANTS
In order to maximize biodiversity and minimize soil impoverishment, one food plant species may not occupy
more than 25% of the garden area. Different varieties or cultivars are considered to be the same species
(e.g., cherry tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes are considered a single species; amaranth and Amaranthus
cruentus (red spinach) also represent the same species).
more than 25% of the garden area. Different varieties or cultivars are considered to be the same species
(e.g., cherry tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes are considered a single species; amaranth and Amaranthus
cruentus (red spinach) also represent the same species).
5.6 AMARANTH
The cultivation of a single flowering amaranth plant is permitted. However, the flowers must be covered
to prevent the seeds from propagating. This rule also applies to other amaranth varieties, including
Amaranthus cruentus (red spinach).
to prevent the seeds from propagating. This rule also applies to other amaranth varieties, including
Amaranthus cruentus (red spinach).
5.7 EXTERIOR OF THE GARDEN
Potted vegetable or flower plants will not be tolerated outside the garden plots.
5.7.1
Gardeners are forbidden from planting outside a garden plot. Wooden boards are
used to set off the garden area.
6. WHY CERTAIN PLANTS ARE FORBIDDEN
6.1 HEIGHT (with the exception of dwarf varieties)
- Corn
- Sunflowers
- Flowering amaranth (One plant will be tolerated. See 5.6)
- Tobacco
- Decorative vines
6.2 PROPAGATION OF DISEASE
- Potatoes
- Cuscuta
6.3 SIZE
- Pumpkins
6.4 INVASIVE PLANTS AND PARASITIC PLANTS
- Amaranth flowers
- Amaranthus cruentus (red spinach) flowers (One plant will be tolerated. See 5.6)
- Cuscuta
- Mint. Mint is permitted, but it must be grown in a pot, with the pot placed inside the garden
- and above ground.
6.5 OTHER
- Any dangerous plant (giant hogweed, poison-ivy, etc.)
- Any non-edible shrub
- Any plant banned under law (for example cannabis)
Any other species with characteristics similar to those cited above
are forbidden.
are forbidden.
7. CLOSURE OF THE GARDENS
7.1 END-OF-SEASON CLEANING
7.1.1
Gardeners must clean their respective garden plots by no later than November 1 or the date
set by the gardening committee. Failure to do so will result in the gardener being expelled
without notice.
Non-organic waste should be cleaned up from the garden (ties, ropes, labels, Styrofoam, etc.).
A gardener who has abandoned his/her garden or has been expelled and wants to retrieve
their perennials must do so no later than May 1 of the following year.
7.1.2
Gardeners must remove dead plants (with the exception of perennials) and vegetables and
must dismantle all arbors (sheds) and structures and remove stakes.
Fences used spécifically to keep groundhogs out may be tolerated. Authorisation must be received from your garden committee.
7.2
The water service is shut off as of the first ground frost warning (see section 1.5).
7.3
The waste collection service will cease after November 1.
8. NON-COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS
8.1 WARNINGS AND EXPULSIONS
8.1.1 First warning:
The first warning is issued by the gardening committee or borough (in person,
by telephone or e-mail). It can also be issued in visual form (by tpictogram in the garden). In
the event of a verbal notice, a witness should be present. The gardener will have seven days
following the first warning to correct the situation.
8.1.2 Second warning:
The second warning is a signed and written warning sent by a representative
of the city. The gardener will have 14 days from the date of the letter to correct the
problem cited.
of the city. The gardener will have 14 days from the date of the letter to correct the
problem cited.
8.1.3 Expulsion notice:
A gardener who fails to comply with the notices cited above will receive
a lettter of expulsion. The expelled gardener must turn over his or her membership card and
garden key and may not return to the garden. He or she is required to wait three years before
submitting a new application to use a community garden.
a lettter of expulsion. The expelled gardener must turn over his or her membership card and
garden key and may not return to the garden. He or she is required to wait three years before
submitting a new application to use a community garden.
8.1.4 Appeal process:
An expelled gardener may appeal the expulsion in writing within 10 days
of the expulsion notice mailing date (postal stamp). Any such appeal will be rejected after
this period. The gardener must cite the reasons for which the borough should reverse its
decision. The gardener must provide proof. This appeal must be submitted in writing to the
Accès Montréal (BAM) offices located at 815 Rue Bel-Air. The expulsion will be maintained
during the appeal process. Where required, a committee will be formed to review the file.
of the expulsion notice mailing date (postal stamp). Any such appeal will be rejected after
this period. The gardener must cite the reasons for which the borough should reverse its
decision. The gardener must provide proof. This appeal must be submitted in writing to the
Accès Montréal (BAM) offices located at 815 Rue Bel-Air. The expulsion will be maintained
during the appeal process. Where required, a committee will be formed to review the file.
The garden committee will also be contacted in order to have a complete portrait of the situation.
VOLUNTEERING
Committee members will work on a volunteer basis to ensure the operation of the garden. Gardeners are
invited to assist in the proper conduct of gardening activities. A gardener who wishes to help complete tasks
on the committee must submit a request to do so to the committee. He or she may also make the request
with the person in charge of the borough’s community gardens.
invited to assist in the proper conduct of gardening activities. A gardener who wishes to help complete tasks
on the committee must submit a request to do so to the committee. He or she may also make the request
with the person in charge of the borough’s community gardens.