REGINA — A new community garden in east Regina has been in the works for over a decade
The Arcola East Community Association (AECA) was recently approved by city council to oversee the garden in the south portion of Maka Park in the Eastbrook Community, constructed by Dream Developments.
“This is about building a community and a sense of community," said Rahul Singh, director of communications for AECA.
The community garden will be 26,000 square feet and include 98 garden plots and 12 accessible planters.
Singh said AECA has not yet decided what it plans to grow in the garden.
“At this point, we haven't really come up with a program, and we're still working on criteria for assignment of space.”
Although it’s not finalized, AECA will look to see how the community garden can be used for food distribution.
“If that's feasible, then we'd be happy to associate ourselves with certain charities or groups or [the] food bank of Regina, whoever we can partner with, and we'll be happy to take on that initiative."
Beyond growing food, the community garden could offer programs for young gardeners, said Singh.
“It’s an opportunity for people who might not have a backyard or a space to grow their own garden produce."
Starting April 1, AECA will enter into a three-year lease agreement with the city on the space, which will be provided with a tax exemption.
Singh said the community association will begin accepting construction codes once the lease takes effect.
The construction cost hasn’t been finalized yet.
Meanwhile, operational costs will be handled by AECA.
“We have been fortunate that the association itself is doing well. It's in good financial standing, and we will be bearing 100 per cent of the cost,” said Singh.
Singh said they’re anticipating the garden to open this summer.
