Garrison Creek Park Community Association

Friends and Neighbours ( BCC all)

The time and date for meeting regarding old soil tests results (approx 2000) has been decided. 1PM in the garden Thursday Aug 14^th.

We can move to 1152 Shaw in event of rain. Although an evening meeting would have been better for greater community member attendance it will have an inverse effect on Parks/Health/City Hall attendance and therefore we have opted for the daytime appointment on site. Those attending will report back finding to group and we will then be able to decide if new tests are needed.

Group PLS note that all this is being conducted with the greatest amount of cooperation possible between Group, City Hall, City Health Dept. and City Parks. I thank all for your willing cooperation in this matter.

Copied from >>> Diane Tomlin / City Parks >>> message to Christopher Martin

Public Health Inspector, Tom Marjonovich has offered to attend meeting with members of the community group (who have requested to review the environmental reports) and Parks staff to assist us in answering their concerns. The group would also like to discuss several other issues related to the community garden, therefore, the attendance of Christopher Martin, Solomon Boye and Doug Smith is also requested. Christopher and I would also like to ask that a representative from Councillor Mihevc’s office attend this meeting.

It looks like the week of August 11-15th is the next week that Tom, Chris, Doug and I are all available to meet. However, the meeting would have to be during day time hours. Chris, please ask Marc De Mouy if he is available to meet between 8am and 4pm Aug. 11-15. If he requests a night meeting then we will have to meet the week of Aug. 18th-22nd or later. Since Parks does not have an Environmentalist on staff, we will attempt to answer any questions that we can based on information in the reports.

If the group insists that they want a copy of the reports, they will be advised to go through the Freedom of Information office.
Chris please respond asap so that I can set up this meeting while we still have dates available in August.

We are contacting Freedom of Information office (Jan Mitchell handling) for copy of old reports. So far confirmed group member attendance for 1PM Aug 14^th  Jan Mitchell, Tim Faubert and myself. PLS e-mail me if you wish to also attend.

Marc De Mouy

Garrison Creek Park

Community Garden Association Coordinator

As we start the second month of life for our community garden, we can see great things beginning to happen, both in the plots and throughout our community.  Please keep the following Gardening Guidelines in mind while you visit the garden and tend to your plants.

These Guidelines are a supplement to our rules for membership in the association and use of the garden.  Please let your committee know if you have any questions by contacting us at:  garrison.creek.park@gmail.com

 Gardening Guidelines

1. Edible plants should only be planted inside the fenced area, in the raised-bed planters.  Any edible plants outside of the fence are to be considered ornamental only and should not be eaten.

2. All produce harvested from the garden - including the fenced-in area – should be washed thoroughly before eating.  Recommended washing solution:
1 tbsp white vinegar + 1.5 litres water
Dunk the produce in the washing solution and then rinse with water.

3. Please be careful with invasive species.  If you plant something in your plot that starts to invade another part of the garden, you may be asked to remove it.

Note: an exception will be made for vining plants such as squash or cucumber so long as they are kept out of the main central walkway, are not a safety hazard, and are not obstructing access to other members’ plots.

4. Unless you have arranged otherwise, please tend to and harvest from only your own plot.  If you see something growing in your neighbour’s plot that you’d like to try, please ask before you sample.

5. Chemical insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers are prohibited in the garden, as outlined in the garden rules.  If you have any questions, please contact one of the garden coordinators.

6. If you would like to contribute a plant to the community plots, please let one of our coordinators know before you plant it.  They will help select a suitable planting location and be sure it gets appropriate care.

7. You are responsible for removing weeds, dead plant material, garbage, etc. from your own plot.  Please dispose of it appropriately.  Any tools left in the garden area are there at your own risk – although we will promote positive use of this space, the Garrison Creek Park Community Garden Association bears no responsibility for lost or stolen tools, plants, planting supplies, etc.

7. Municipal water is for the Garrison Creek Park and Community Garden ONLY.

8. Please report to the Garden Coordinator immediately if you spot any signs of theft, vandalism, misuse of garden resources, or damage to the garden or park.

• Plant materials only.  No meat, eggs, dairy, or non-biodegradable items should be placed in the composter.
• No animal waste.
• Please do not use the composter to dispose of home/kitchen waste. 
• If you pulled a plant from your garden because it was diseased, please dispose of it in the GARBAGE, not the compost bin.
• Weeds that have gone to seed should be disposed of in the garbage.
• No large-diameter sticks or other wood products, as these will not break down quickly.

Thank you, 

Garrison Creek Park Community Garden Association Executive