Town Encourages Respect for Community Allotment Gardens and Highlights Local Food Resources

The Town of St. Marys is reminding residents about the importance of respecting the Community Allotment Garden following reports that produce has recently been picked from several garden plots without permission. 

Located at the St. Marys Cemetery, the Community Allotment Garden provides residents with an opportunity to grow their own fruits, vegetables and flowers in a shared community space. The garden consists of individual plots leased to local gardeners, offering a welcoming place to connect with nature, learn new skills and build relationships with friends and neighbours. 

Each garden plot represents many hours of planning, planting, watering and care. For many gardeners, the produce grown throughout the season contributes to household food supplies and personal well-being. 

"The Community Allotment Garden is a valued community resource that brings people together and supports healthy, local food production," said Jenny Mikita, Senior Services Manager. "We understand that the recent incidents may be disappointing for gardeners, and we are asking everyone to respect the work that goes into each plot and only harvest produce from gardens they have leased or have permission to access." 

The Town also recognizes that food insecurity is a growing concern for some residents. Those in need of food assistance are encouraged to access the many local programs and services available throughout St. Marys, some include: 

For a full list of social support resources available to St. Marys and surrounding residents, visit townofstmarys.com/StonetownSupports. 

Residents interested in learning more about the Community Allotment Garden or local food security resources can visit townofstmarys.com/CommunityGarden or call the Community Outreach Coordinator, Jade Orquin at 226-261-0098. 

For media inquiries:  
Kaleigh Siegner-Robertson | Corporate Communications Coordinator
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | krobertson@town.stmarys.on.ca