Inclusive community gardens : planning for inclusive and welcoming spaces in Vancouver

The City of Vancouver’s Food Strategy (2013) de-­ scribes a just and sustainable food system as one where ‘food production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management are integrated to enhance the environmental, economic, social and nutritional well-being of Vancouver and its residents’. To bolster community well-being through food systems, community food assets must be physically, economically and socially accessible to all citizens. Disparity in social accessibility places pressure on Vancouver’s Food Strategy goals, which aim to increase food access to all citizens, particularly in potentially noninclusionary food initiatives, such as community gardens. This document provides some context for community gardens in Vancouver, identifies current benefits and values associated with gardens and their members, and provides a Community Garden Planning Toolkit designed to assist leaders and gardeners in the creation of more welcoming and inclusive gardens. Gardens are of special interest due to their high visibility, role in citizen activism and engagement, capacity for skills and network building, and, perhaps most importantly, their localization on land that is often publically owned. Gardens are a common feature in Vancouver neighbourhoods and a hub for fostering neighbourhood cohesion and resilience. In this study, a deeper understanding of these unique spaces was informed by a variety of sources both qualitative and quantitative. The concept of inclusivity was explored through consultation of existing community garden guidelines; participation in dialogues with Can You Dig It (CYDI) — a coalition of local gardeners in Metro Vancouver; and visits to community garden events in Vancouver. A snapshot of inclusivity in Vancouver was gathered through a survey of 223 community gardeners and 20 community garden coordinators. Regardless of their demographics, since joining a community garden, respondents were found to: - Build neighbourhood cohesion by meeting more of their neighbours and building more trusting relationships - Feel a more meaningful sense of belonging to the community and participate in more community projects - Experience a higher quality of life, a greater sense of accomplishment and greater physical and mental well-being - Transform underutilized spaces to grow food as a collective and replace produce they would normally purchase from conventional grocery stores However, participants in Vancouver’s community gardens have been, for the most part, underrepresentative of the diversity in communities that the gardens serve. While not necessarily intentional, community gardens may not feel inclusive and welcoming as a result of differences across social barriers, such as: cultural norms with respect to urban agriculture, food preferences, and preparation; as well as technical barriers including physical accessibility and language. Dialogues with community leaders and garden coordinators revealed that unless there is intent behind building inclusion, bridging soft and technical barriers, and providing programming around culture, new immigrants, seniors, and those with accessibility challenges are unlikely to participate fully in community gardens. Participation is important not only because of the many personal benefits experienced by community gardeners, but also in terms of equity around public spaces and creating a broader sense of belonging in Vancouver communities.Applied Science, Faculty ofCommunity and Regional Planning (SCARP), School ofUnreviewedGraduat