The South-West Borough announced the closing of the following community
gardens - Des Seigneurs, Pointe-Verte and half of Petite-Bourgogne. These
closings occurred following soil tests that were conducted last fall.
During a meeting held on Monday, March 31, representatives of the Public
Health Branch of the Montreal Health and Social Services Agency explained to
gardeners in attendance the reasons why they had recommended that eatable plants
should no longer be cultivated in these community gardens. They also gave
assurance to the gardeners that past consumption of vegetables would not affect
their health. Their reports are now available on the web site: www.santepub-mtl.qc.ca
Subsequently, Mr. Jean Lewis who is head of the Technical Studies Division of
the Public Works Branch explained the solutions the Borough planed implementing
to allow gardeners to resume their activities as quickly as possible.
He pointed out that the gardens could not be put back into operation before
at least the Spring of 2009 and at the latest, progressively, by 2011.
The past unusual winter has drained all the Borough's financial reserves
thereby preventing any short-term solution. As with other City boroughs affected
by this problem, the restoration of the community gardens will require a
substantial investment and the South-West Borough will be requesting help from
the City of Montreal, central Departments. If this is refused, the Borough will
then have to plan spending within its three-year capital expenditure plan which
could delay implementation.
On the other hand, community gardens officials within the Culture, Sports,
Recreation and Social Development Departmentwere reassuring. "Even if you lose
your garden this year, you still keep your place when your garden reopens",
explained Sports and Recreation Chief Louise Richard.
Moreover, approximately 40 small plots in other South-West community gardens
will be set aside. There will not be enough small plots to satisfy everyone, but
they will be offered by order of seniority to gardeners losing their plots and
who apply. The small plots will be assigned by Borough representatives by order
of seniority. Furthermore, Ms. Richard confirmed that even if gardeners lose
their plot for a certain period of time, they would nonetheless keep their
vested rights when the community gardens reopen.
For more information, you may call the 311 South-West Borough's help line or
with the Public Health Branch, www.santepub-mtl.qc.ca or for French- speaking services with
Ms. Monique Beausoleil - toxicologist, 514 528-2400, extension 3229, mbeausol@santepub-mtl.qc.ca, and
for English-speaking services with Ms. Karine Price - toxicologist, 514 528-2400
extension 3287, kprice@santepub-mtl.qc.ca
