ST. PAUL - The St. Paul Community Garden Society of St. Paul is looking for direction from the Town of St. Paul on how it should proceed with the 2020 growing season.
During Thursday's Committee of the Whole meeting, Town of St. Paul CAO Kim Heyman brought up the issue, saying she had received a letter from the society. The organization was looking for input from the Town of St. Paul, ensuring it could proceed with renting out plots. The letter noted the society would take precautions to ensure social distancing measures are being followed.
Heyman said she contacted Public Health but hadn't received a response yet, noting, the province likely hasn't considered community gardens yet.
"I doubt whether the province has even thought of this," said Heyman.
"We've been blessed with time, considering the weather," said Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller, speaking of the delayed spring, which has delayed any early gardening preparations.
Coun. Gary Ward said he felt there shouldn't be an issue with the society operating, since there are typically only one or two people in the garden plots behind the town office at once. He noted it could be an issue where there are garden boxes in town, such as at Heritage Homes.
"They may just need a plan," said Heyman.
Coun. Norm Noel said he felt the biggest issue this season may be an increase in the number of people who want to rent a plot and plant a garden.
No decisions were made regarding the Community Garden Society, as Heyman waits for a response from the provincial government. The Garden Society operates a garden site in the Town of St. Paul, one in the County of St. Paul (near the Municipal Seed Cleaning Plant), and raised garden boxes located at long-term senior complexes in the area.
