Gardener Guidelines

  1. All gardening activities are subject to City of Ottawa Policies and Gardener Guidelines.
  2. All disputes will be resolved by City of Ottawa staff.
  3. Plot numbers are displayed on wooden stakes. Gardeners should ensure that they are planting on the correct plot. Please ask for assistance if uncertain or if there is a problem with the measurement of a plot. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY THE STAKES BE MOVED. Measurement of plot size is approximate.
  4. Requests for refunds will carry an administration fee. Refunds will not be provided due to poor weather or ground conditions, mechanical problems with the irrigation system, vandalism, or theft. Requests for refunds will not be accepted after June 15.
  5. Gardeners using the plots do so at their own risk and expense. The City of Ottawa shall not be responsible for loss or damage to crops, produce, or equipment, howsoever caused.
  6. Produce from the allotment gardens may not be sold.
  7. Gardening activities must be confined to the gardener's plot. Laneways and paths are to be kept free of obstacles. Mechanical or manual tillage, or drainage ditches which interfere with other plots or the neighbourhood are prohibited.
  8. Garbage and trash are the responsibility of individual gardeners, and must be brought home for roadside pickup. The City may install dumpsters on-site in the spring and fall for gardener convenience, but garbage remains the responsibility of individual gardeners.
  9. Seasonal composting is permitted on site. Composters should be similar to the black rectangular household type.
  10. No permanent structures of any kind are permitted.
  11. Seasonal structures, including authorized composters, plant support structures, fences, and sun shades may be allowed. Every case will be reviewed individually. Structures which do not meet the City standard will be removed.
  12. Gardeners must be present during watering. Please use water sparingly. Washing of vehicles and filling of wading pools is not permitted.
  13. Use of chemical compounds, herbicides, and fungicides is prohibited.
  14. In the event of plot abandonment, severe disease or pest damage, or growth of illegal plants, the City reserves the right to plough/ tear down and cancel re-application privileges.
  15. All plots are to be cleaned out by Thanksgiving. Removal of all dead vegetation, plant material, stakes, ropes, garbage, plant support structures, fences, sun shades, etc. is required. Failure to comply will result in the cancellation of gardening privileges.

Gardeners have the right to renew their license for the same plots next year if they comply with these guidelines. Gardeners who do not wish to re-new their plot(s) may, if they wish, transfer their plot(s) to a person of their choice. If interested, gardeners must complete and sign a Transfer form at Dempsey CC. Once the form is completed, the new person may register the plot(s) in their name immediately. As in previous years, any plots not renewed by February 28 will be made available to returning gardeners, then to new gardeners beginning April 7.