Mission

The BCCG will create a welcoming environment where diverse Bells Corners neighbours can connect, collaborate and grow healthy, organic food for their families.

BC Community Garden

A communal space where Bells Corners residents can grow fresh vegetables, that is the long-term plan. A City of Ottawa’s survey show that residents in Lynwood Village and Westcliffe Estates are keen gardeners—72.5 percent and 66.4 per cent, respectively. So let’s bring those neighbours together to grow good food and grow the community!
The BCCG will be collaborating with Just Food to establish the garden. They are a “local, non-profit, community-based organization that works on both rural and urban food and farming issues in Ottawa and the surrounding region.” Just Food manages the Community Garden Network (CGN) which provides capacity-building resources and funding for community gardens across Ottawa.
We will be submitting an application to the CGN for funding to set up the garden. At this point, you can assist us by sharing your thoughts on a community garden in Bells Corners. Stay tuned for our survey.

Finding a garden location

Location! Location! Location! That’s the mantra as we look to find the most suitable location in the neighbourhood to set up a community garden. Sun is important, so is access to water. It would also be ideal for the garden to be in a location that is accessible by public transport. That way, our neighbours who are not driving are also able to participate in the garden.
Along with in-ground and raised beds, we plan to have a toolshed, compost bins and rain barrels. So as you go about Bells Corners, have you seen a lovely location in the neighbourhood that could sustain a community garden? Drop us a line and let us know.

Partners welcome!

We are looking for partners and sponsors to help us build the garden. Perhaps you have a skill that you can bring to the process. For example, you might be an expert in landscaping that can help us with the site planning. Or, perhaps you are business that can do in-kind or monetary donations. With the call to action of “Growing community!” we are keen to collaborate with like-minded folks who are also committed to enhancing the lives of residents. If you have an idea of how you can support the establishment of a Bells Corners community garden. let’s talk!

Why join the BCCG?

Growing fresh food

BCCG garden members will be allocated a plot of land or a raised box that they’ll be responsible for during the planting season. They get to grow the food of their choice to support their household.
Eating healthy

Fresh locally grown food picked from their garden plot will enable members to have more healthy choices for meals. This will counter poor nutrition and instead foster positive health outcomes.
Improving mental health

Time outdoors with a sense of purpose is good for your mental health. Gardening requires physical labour. It’s a fun workout that stimulates relaxation and helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
Championing food security

The current price of food is tough on families, much less those in our community that are vulnerable. BCCG will designate and manage garden plots where the food will be donated to the food bank.
Knowledge exchange

There are green thumbs and expert food growers living in our communities. A community garden provides an opportunity for neighbours to share their knowledge with each other.
Cultivating friendships

Connecting with neighbours and share the joys and growing pains of nurturing a garden. Imagine being surrounded by neighbours who also share your love of the outdoors and have growing food!
Developing environmental stewards

A garden is a fun opportunity for children to learn firsthand how their food is produced. It is a great resource that will connect them to nature and build their commitment to the environment.
Impacting the environment

From absorbing carbon dioxide and acting as an effective air cleaner, to reducing soil erosion, and composting, growing plants is a direct and measurable way to help the environment.
Celebrating diversity

Indigenous herbs, Mexican chayote, Jamaican callaloo: The possibilities are endless for neighbours with diverse backgrounds to grow food that are familiar staples in their communities.