Community gardens are treasured spaces. They bring neighbours together, promote sustainability, and give us the joy of growing our own food. The UNA Community Gardens program has been a welcome part of life for many residents, with over 230 plots across five locations. Yet as demand grows, it’s worth asking: is the current system still working as well as it could?
Right now, residents who have a garden plot can renew it every year, provided they follow a few basic requirements— such as being in good standing and paying the annual fee by December 31. This has allowed many committed gardeners to develop their plots over time and contribute to a strong sense of continuity and care. However, for new residents or those who’ve been on the waitlist for a long time, it can be difficult—sometimes nearly impossible—to get access to a plot at all.
I’ve been reflecting on this for some time, and a thoughtful article by Elina Hailaijiao in the July issue of The Campus Resident (“Discover Sustainable Growing on Campus”, July 3) gave me the nudge I needed to share these thoughts. Her piece highlighted how community gardens connect us not just to the land, but to each other. That sense of shared benefit is exactly why it’s worth considering whether broader access might be possible.
Some cities have found creative ways to balance continuity with fairness. For instance:
In Vancouver, garden organizers are encouraged to introduce term limits—often 3 to 5 years—to ensure that more people have a chance to participate .
The City of Toronto recommends that gardens reserve a portion of plots for new applicants each year, even when space is limited .
In Montreal, garden managers maintain transparent waitlists and review turnover each season .
These ideas may not all apply to our context, but they point to a common principle: community spaces work best when they’re open and inclusive. Here in the UNA, we could consider a few steps—such as setting voluntary time limits, rotating a small number of plots each year for new gardeners, or publishing basic waitlist data—to help make the process more accessible without disrupting what already works well.
I’m not suggesting we replace the current system, but rather that we evolve it—gently and thoughtfully—to better meet the needs of a growing and diverse community. Many residents are eager to contribute, learn, and connect through gardening. Let’s make sure they have the opportunity.
I hope this article can spark a respectful, constructive conversation—among neighbours, within the Garden Committee, and with the UNA—about how we might keep our garden system strong, welcoming, and fair for the years ahead.
LAURENNE GARNEAU IS AN ECONOMIST SPECIALIZING IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY. SHE HAS LIVED AT UBC FOR FOUR YEARS AND ENJOYS EXPLORING HOW COMMUNITIES CAN BECOME MORE INCLUSIVE, RESILIENT, AND CONNECTED.