FAQs

Urban Agriculture, which is commonly referred to as ‘urban farming’ or ‘gardening’, is the activity of growing food in a city environment, and traditionally includes community and backyard vegetable gardens, roof and balcony gardening spaces, growing of fruit trees and shrubs, edible landscaping plants, and the raising of animals within a city. 

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Urban Agriculture Business Information.

The City of Pickering supports Urban Agriculture in a variety of ways, including:

• hosting a weekly Farmers' Market from June - October
  
  
• supporting the operation of the Valley Plentiful Community Garden
  
  
• coordinating a 55+ Plot to Plate Community Garden Program
  
  
• enhancing pollinator habitat
  
  
• providing funds for Urban Agriculture related projects through the City's Environmental Schools Grant and Community Grant
  
  
• encouraging developers to support opportunities to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs through the City’s planning process
  
  
• supporting Official Plan policies and zoning provisions that encourage community gardens in all land use categories and zones
  
  
• integrating Urban Agriculture into long range plans
  
  
• delivering annual workshops to educate residents about growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs

Urban Agriculture promotes social equity, and food security, in communities by providing opportunities for increased access to fresh, healthy and local food, recreational and culturally enriching activities, increased environmental stewardship, and knowledge of local food systems. 

A few benefits of Urban Agriculture include: 

• reducing cost and addressing food security issues by helping residents to access fresh, healthy, locally grown food
  
  
• supporting environmental stewardship and biodiversity while reducing urban heat island effect and greenhouse gases
  
  
• offering recreational and culturally enriching activities
   
• providing places for neighbours to come together, strengthen bonds, and build community connections
  
  
• offering educational opportunities to increase food literacy for all ages, and grow culturally diverse food
  
  
• adding aesthetics and potentially financial value to properties
  
  
• increasing wellness, social connections, and awareness of healthy eating habits

The City of Pickering’s Exotic Animal By-law 7110/11 prohibits the keeping of livestock, such as chickens in any urban area within the City.

In June 2023, City staff carried out an extensive stakeholder consultation process involving all levels of government (Municipal, Regional, Provincial and Federal) as well as the agricultural community through the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (as outlined in Animal Services Report (AS 01-23). Council recommended that a backyard egg production urban farming pilot project not be implemented at this time.

In Ontario, beekeeping is regulated by OMAFRA and the Ontario Bees Act (1990). It is subject to regulations, which specify setback distances from residential, parkland or other public spaces when locating hives. Currently, the city defers to the provincial legislation to address beekeeping in the urban area. From an ecological perspective, the city has several programs to support pollinators in general, including pollinator gardens, plantings, and outreach.

Yes. In December 2022, City Council adopted a Community Garden Policy (ADM 240) to establish guidelines for the development and operation of community gardens on municipally owned lands. This policy articulates the role of the City and that of the community garden group and provides a program framework to promote equal access and transparency. The policy also outlines criteria to choose suitable sites.

There are currently two municipally operated community gardens. 

Valley Plentiful Community Garden (VPCG) is located at the north end of Diana Princess of Wales Park. The site is coordinated by the Valley Plentiful Community Garden Committee. Plots are rented to Pickering resident applicants on a yearly basis for the purpose of growing produce for personal use. A number of plots have also been dedicated to serve the needs of the local food bank and are maintained by volunteers. In 2023, 536 kg (1,182 lbs.) of fresh produce was donated to the food bank.

Another garden site is located at the George Ashe Library & Community Centre. The four raised beds (twelve plots) are operated as part of Community Services Department ‘55+ Plot to Plate’ program that residents can apply for annually to participate. Two additional ground plots are maintained by volunteers with a portion of the harvested produce being donated to the local food bank.

As part of the development of Pickering’s Community Garden Policy, the criteria that should be considered when siting community gardens:

• current use and future plans for the space
• neighbourhood impact
• accessibility
• safety
• soil test results
• maximum number of garden plots
• access to water
• accessible parking
• consultation with residents whose homes surround the site (if applicable)
• Other considerations include sunlight exposure, signage and security to reduce theft, storage area or shed, and type of plots (raised, in-ground)

Yes. Residents can complete the City's Urban Agriculture survey to help shape the City's 2024/2025 Action Plan. This survey will remain active until January 29, 2024. 

Collectively, this feedback from residents will help the City develop educational programs and tools, select workshop topics, and explore new opportunities to support Urban Agriculture within the community for their 2024/2025 workplan. City staff will report to Council with the findings in March 2024