Community Gardens

Community Gardens create a safe and healthy recreational activity within our park system and on other City-owned land. They allow for local food production and can become a gathering place in a neighbourhood. Although there are several gardens within city limits, Parks and Recreation currently has seven community gardens on public property.

Current community gardens

Beaufort Park Community Garden

This centrally located garden rents allotment plots. Included in the rental is access to a variety of communally maintained plots. Participation in general garden maintenance is expected. Contact: BeaufortCommunityGarden@gmail.com

Smugglers Park

This community garden is located on Protection Island and managed by DIGS (Douglas Island Garden Society). Contact Jim Harris at 250-740-0317 or visit http://www.digsgarden.blogspot.com

Beban Urban Garden Society (BUGS)

This area is managed by the VIEX. For information, please contact Karen Streeter at kstreeter@viex.ca or phone 250-758-3247.

Pawson Park

This garden is managed by Nanaimo Old City Association. Please contact Jen at islkid@hotmail.com

Forest Drive Park

Started in 2013. Please contact Shawna at 250-802-1022 for more information.

Beban Greenhouse and Community Garden

This site is managed by the Nanaimo Community Gardens Society at 250-816-4769 (GROW).

Haliburton Food Forest

Started in 2016, this site features edible plants and trees and is run by members of the South End Neighbourhood Association (SECA).

How to Start A Community Garden

The gardens were initiated under the City's Partners in Parks Program (PIP). Groups applied for seed money through the PIP Granting Program, and they facilitate the initial setup of the gardens. Neighbourhoods interested in starting up a community garden in a park or on a piece of underutilized City property should contact the City of Nanaimo at parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca. Check out our guidelines and Community Gardens Policy for more information.

Other community gardens

Here is a list of community gardens operated by local organizations. 

Other City of Nanaimo facilities and parks

Visit the Nanaimo Facilities Search for information on City facilities.