Community Gardens

Successful lottery winners must sign a waiver and agree to the rules and responsibilities outlined below.

Gardener Rules & Responsibilities

• Access to each plot will only be permitted during the assigned times for each location:
• Ponton Park: 7am-7pm, Monday-Friday and Sunday (No access at Ponton Park on Saturdays from 7am-1pm)
• West Hill: 7am-8pm each day
• Bayview Heights: 7am-8pm each day
• Garden plots must be planted by June 3, 2024. If the gardener is unable to continue gardening, they will notify the Garden Administrator so that the plots may be reassigned.
• Pesticides and non-organic fertilizers are prohibited. Soil containing compost will be provided free-of-charge to gardeners.
• Gardeners shall keep their plots weeded and maintain tidy pathways. If the gardener’s bed is unkempt, they will be given two weeks’ notice to clean it up. If they do not comply, their bed may be reassigned.
• Vegetables, grains, fruit, herbs and flowers are permitted in City plots. Trees and other woody plants, corn or any tall crops, shall not be planted unless the gardener can demonstrate there will be no negative effects. Illegal plants are strictly prohibited.
• All above-ground material must be removed by October 15,2024.
• Smoking and loud activities within the vicinity of the garden area are not permitted. Please respect the neighbours.
• At Ponton Park and West Hill gardens, vehicles are not permitted to park on the grassed area.
• Trash, recyclables and weeds are to be removed and brought home or placed in designated receptacles on park property.
• Gardeners shall not sell garden produce or engage in for-profit business practices.
• Installation of any fencing, boards, or any other material is not permitted unless approved by the Garden Administrator. To avoid creating shade on other plots, maximum height of any installed fencing may not exceed 36 inches.
• Pick only your crops unless permission is given by another gardener. Theft of produce or any other item, such as garden hoses, from any plot will result in expulsion from the garden site. Please report theft and vandalism to the Garden Administrator.
• Gardeners are responsible for supervising those individuals they bring to the garden including other adults, youth and children.
• It is the responsibility of the gardener to clear their plot by the designated end of season date.
• Abide by all City of Belleville by-laws. 

• Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet unless gardening with members of the same household.
• No guests or pets allowed in the community garden. Service animals permitted.
• Children should only be brought to garden on an as-needed basis and must follow physical distancing and hygiene recommendations.
• Bring hand sanitizer with you to the garden.
• Sanitize hands before and after handling common equipment such as taps.
  • Gloves are not a substitute for washing/sanitizing hands.
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, eyes and face.
• If you are wearing a mask:
  • Wash/sanitize hands before putting personal mask on.
  • Personal masks must not be shared with others.
  • Dispose masks and single-use gloves in a lined receptacle only.
• Bring your own garden tools. Clean and sanitize tools after use.
• If you choose to wear gloves, do not share your gloves with others. 
• Place all trash in proper garbage receptacle or take garbage with you to dispose of at home.
• Keep trips to and time spent at garden to a minimum - plan ahead!
• Contact the garden coordinator if you need support maintaining your garden.