Since 2012, the garden has been located behind the old high school on Aiken Street, where it has flourished for more than a decade. However, at the end of last year, the garden received a letter from the new owners of the building requiring new fees for water and sewage expenses which was too high and well above the garden’s yearly usage.
The garden team carefully reviewed the actual water usage from June through August 2025, which totalled 19 full 1,000-litre water totes during the summer season. Based on the Municipality of Meaford’s current water rate of $3.15 per 1,000 litres, this equates to a total cost of $67.63, which organizers were prepared to reimburse in full.
Unfortunately, this proposed reimbursement was not accepted, and as a result, the garden organizer’s relationship with the building ownership has come to an end requiring them to look for a new home.
The first sign of the Meaford Community Garden dates back to 2008. What started as a small community effort has grown into a long-standing program that continues to make a meaningful impact in Meaford.
Each year, a dedicated gardening team harvests and delivers approximately 1,500 lbs of sustainably grown fresh produce to the Meaford Food Bank and the Community Fridge located in our local E&R’s Bulk Bin store. This fresh local food supports community members and reflects the garden’s commitment to food security and sustainability.
The Meaford Community Garden is a charitable program run primarily by volunteers, supported by two paid youth positions that provide valuable learning and employment opportunities for local youth. The program operates entirely through fundraising and grant funding, making community support essential to its continued success.
As 2026 begins, the Meaford Community Garden faces a critical need to secure a new location to continue providing fresh food to our community as they remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and finding sustainable solutions that allow this important work to continue. The goal is to work with the Municipality of Meaford to identify a suitable location on surplus municipal land that would allow the garden to continue serving the community for years to come.
“To that end, we have secured January 26, 2026, as the date for our deputation to Meaford Council. We warmly welcome community members and supporters to attend and show their support for this important initiative,” said community garden organizers. “This transition will require additional fundraising efforts, and we are grateful for the generosity already being shown by our community. We are pleased to share that the recent Meaford Women Pickleball Tournament was dedicated to supporting the garden’s fundraising efforts and net proceeds were generously donated to this cause.”
With continued community support, collaboration, and advocacy, the Meaford Community Garden is committed to finding a new home and continuing its mission of growing fresh food, supporting food security, bringing people together, and increasing community well-being.
“With this in mind, we invite anyone with suggestions, land leads, or an interest in supporting our fundraising efforts through financial or in-kind donations to help us move our roots and continue serving the community,” said organizers.
