Work begins on new Shelburne Community Garden at Fiddle Park

Written By PAULA BROWN

A community garden is on its way to the Town of Shelburne, with the official breaking of the ground from construction starting last Thursday (Sept. 3). 

“We thought that it would be a good idea to allow our community to have access to fresh food,” said Carol Maitland, Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator at the Town of Shelburne. 

The community garden, which will be located at Fiddle Park, has been in the works for around two years and was unanimously supported by Town Council. 

The community garden has around 27 beds planned to be built, with about one third of them raised and with others ranging in size. The construction that started on Thursday is the laying of the pathways and the garden beds themselves. A gazebo at the garden will also have solar lighting and a water irrigation system for rain barrel water that can be used by the gardeners. The community garden will also have a “relaxation garden” that Maitland says will have rocks, flowers, and herbs. 

“We're going to be also planting quite a substantial number of fruit trees, which will hopefully be good for pollinators and any of the wildlife,” said Maitland. “We're trying to keep the garden as natural as possible.” 

A study done by Dufferin County and Dufferin-Wellington Guelph Public Health, which discussed food insecurity in the Shelburne area, was the reason Maitland says that the Town decided to start a local community garden. 

“It gives people the opportunity to grow their own food, I did mention the food insecurity issues, but it also allows people to have a place where they can hopefully meet other community members,” said Maitland.  

Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson is a big fan of the community garden idea. 

“During the 2018 elections there were a number of things that people had on their wish list as to what they wanted to see in the town and near the top was a community garden,” he said. “It allows the community to come together whether you're young or older or in between, it's a great hub.” 

Addressing food instability in the community Maitland said that one of the garden beds will be used to grow fresh produce for Shelburne's local food bank, Shepherds Cupboard. 

The community garden was originally planned to open this year but was set back by COVID-19. Maitland says that the plan now is to open in May of 2021. 

Spaces for the garden beds are sold out, but those interested can go to www.shelburne.ca for openings. 

“The idea behind the community garden is just a place for gathering,” said Maitland.