Representatives of the Rockland Community Garden are applying for provincial grant money as they look to make the garden’s entrances more accessible.

Sarah Lacombe, president of the Rockland Community Garden, made a presentation to Clarence-Rockland City Council earlier this month, detailing the organization’s plans to make the area easier to navigate for visitors.  

“We just want to eliminate the barriers that are there for certain people,” said Lacombe.  

The local organization is seeking grant support through the Government of Ontario’s Inclusive Community Grant, which will help as it seeks to fix the Patricia Street roadside entrance to make it safe and accessible for parking.  

The Rockland Community Garden is also looking to create a path connecting Patricia Street to the main garden entrance, and want to make a path from the secondary garden entrance up to the Raymond Street parking lot.  

The deadline to apply for the government grant is May 22, and if they are successful, they will be eligible for $60,000 in grant money.  

The City of Clarence-Rockland has already provided funding money in support of the project, which was granted last fall.  

Lacombe said the organization needs $67,000 for the pathway project, and if the provincial funding is secured, she is hoping all the accessibility improvements will be completed by March of next year.  

“We’ve been attempting to get this project in motion for quite some time. It’s so important for all the accessibility work we’ve been doing inside the garden, that we also prioritize easy and safe access to the garden,” said Lacombe in a letter addressed to Clarence-Rockland city officials. “To that end, we’ve been discussing with the administration on how to collaborate to achieve this goal.” 

Clarence-Rockland City Council approved a motion which was moved by Coun. Carl Grimard at this month’s council meeting asking the City’s administration team to provide a letter of support to the Rockland Community Garden as they submit a funding request to the provincial government. 

The new season of the Rockland Community Garden kicks off this weekend. 

It is located in the southeast section of Patricia Charron Park, closest to Patricia Street. Its address is 2637 Raymond Street. 

Community gardens allow opportunities for people to create relationships with each other and discuss the food they eat.  

The Rockland Community Garden provides opportunities for residents to participate in voluntary fresh produce exchanges, access fresh produce donations, and engage in educational workshops and projects. 

Visit rocklandcommunitygarden.ca for more information.