The City of St. Catharines is providing funding to help community gardens take root.
The City is again this year supporting community groups wanting to establish new community gardens or to improve existing gardens. Applications for the annual program opened today (Monday, Feb. 9), providing the opportunity for incorporated charities, not-for-profit groups and unincorporated associations and neighbourhood groups, to receive matching funds from the City for as much as half of eligible start-up costs, including lumber, soil, seeds, rain barrels and other materials and equipment.
“Community gardens are powerful spaces for growing fresh food, sharing horticultural knowledge, and bringing people together, fulfilling our mission of sustainable community involvement,” said Mike Kraft, the City’s Development Horticultural Technician. “This program gives the City an opportunity to work with enthusiastic community partners who share our commitment to environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.”
Applicants must identify project funding sources, a proposed budget, a detailed work plan, and a projected timeline. All projects must be completed by Oct. 31, 2026; however, preference may be given to projects that can be completed earlier. The funding application outlines all the program details, including evaluation criteria.
The purpose of these gardens is to grow produce for personal consumption, create environmental benefits, and build healthier and more-vibrant communities. The program aims to support underserved communities by collaborating with community organizations that will share a portion of their harvest with people served through their support services.
Applications will be open until Friday, March 20, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
For more information and to apply, visit stcatharines.ca/CommunityGardens.
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