Christine De Medeiros
3700 Willingdon Ave.
Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2
February 14, 2014

Kathy Roberts,
Chair of BCIT’s Sustainability Revolving Fund
3700 Willingdon Ave.
Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2

Dear Ms. Roberts:
COMMUNITY GARDENS FOR BCIT
This report discusses the possibility of implementing a community garden at BCIT and utilizing the campus’ nutrient-rich compost as fertilizer for the soil. The goal would be to start a garden and enhance the compost program to match the needs of the community garden.
Introduction
BCIT began composting back in 1998 when 170,000 worms were purchased by BCIT and the student association. In 2008 over 2100 litres of compost were harvested and every year in April similar amounts are harvested and mixed with top soil to fertilize the flower beds on campus (BCIT, 2014)i. In an article I found (Tucker, 2012)ii I read that students at St. John’s University in Queens, New York create compost that is used on campus lawns, planting and tree beds, as well as the 50 organic vegetable planting beds in the Student Community Garden. This got me thinking that a community garden on the BCIT campus would be a logical step in the right direction.
Starting a Community Garden
Starting a garden takes a lot of planning. I’ve gone ahead and listed the steps that should be taken in order to efficiently start a community garden here:
I. Find a group of people willing to commit to the project.
II. Find a source of funding for the garden.
III. Find and secure a space for the garden.
IV. Decide who will use and maintain the land.
V. Plan the layout of the space, taking into consideration:
a. Elevation and drainage
b. Sun and shade patterns throughout the year
c. Existing structures
d. Water
VI. Build the needed components, such as:
a. Garden Plots
b. Shed and tool storage
c. Irrigation
d. Compost bins
Advantages of Community Gardensiii
Provides an option to produce organic, local food in a sustainable manner without using chemicals, pesticides, or genetically modified plants.
Provides social benefits such as community development, education, reduction of crime, rehabilitation therapy, and overall health.
Provides healthy, local, fresh, organic food for the garden volunteers as well as for use on campus.
Provides a place for the community to learn about the ecological, social, and economic benefits of growing their own produce.
Let’s not forget it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and it’s