LETTER

The North Collective Garden is involved in its community!

 

In response to a letter on July 6, “A different view from Jardin North”, the interim committee of the North Collective Garden wishes to clarify certain things.

At the initial meeting on April 4, 2016, attended by 25 individuals, including the author of the July 6 letter, the  committee explained a method of operation to better meet the collective needs of the North Collective Garden. People had the opportunity to question how the collective garden works. All then agreed to the proposed operating mechanism. In the weeks following the meeting, members could share any reservations, questions or other concerns to the committee.

Since April 4, 2016, all members were notified (including the author of the letter) through weekly emails of the progress of work in the garden and coming deadlines, especially concerning participation in the collective effort and membership fees.

Since late June, volunteers from the garden have made 10 food donations to local organizations (L'Autre Chez-Soi, the Aylmer Food Centre and the Gîte Ami). Several others will be made in the coming weeks. The committee is discussing collaboration with the management of Eardley Elementary School as well as Apiculture Outaouais.

It is unfortunate that the author of the letter did not mention these facts.

It is unfortunate that the author of the letter did not specify that, on more than one occasion, he came to the garden outside the opening hours and that the members on site reminded him of the garden’s work schedule and of all the work that had been done since April 4, 2016.

It is unfortunate that he did not respond to any information emails sent by the committee, even those addressed specifically to his attention.

It is unfortunate that the author of the letter did not specify in his letter that the City of Gatineau had replied to him in May 2016, stating it supported both the committee and Enviro Éduc-Action, the committee’s partner organization.

The North Collective Garden is inclusive and works closely with the community and with new partners. To date, more than 1,000 volunteer hours have helped make the North Collective Garden an example of collaboration between citizens and community organizations.

The public is invited to visit with volunteers during the garden’s opening hours, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and from 9 am to 11 am (Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays).

If you want to be part of the collective garden for the 2017 season, please send your details to jardinnorth@gmail.com.

The interim committee of the North Collective Garden
Aylmer