ESTEVAN - Estevan city council has given the green light for the Estevan Patch Garden to proceed.
Council discussed the project at its meeting on April 11, with Chris and Bethany Paul – the two people who have conceived the concept – appearing before council to answer questions from council members.
The garden would be located on a parcel of city land behind the water tower and the Smith Street alley, pending the approval of people living in the area.
The idea was first discussed at the March 28 council meeting, when Bethany Paul sent a to correspondence to council about the possibility a “take as you need” garden for people in the community. She noted at the start of the presentation on April 11 that her husband Chris is the one with the big dream.
Bethany Paul also praised council for the ease of this process.
“I know you guys have really put a lot of work into it,” said Mayor Roy Ludwig.
Chris Paul noted that he has met with Rod March, the city’s manager of parks and facilities, about land in the city that is available, which led to a business plan. Chris Paul was looking for approximately two acres of land, and if that wasn’t possible, they would scale back.
“He went through and showed me plots that potentially I could ask for that might be available. That doesn’t mean I’m going to get them, but I could ask. After looking through the city and what the city owned, I basically fell in love with one and I’ve done my drawings around that one,” Chris Paul said.
March has expressed support for the location.
Paul said the property requested is the best fit due to its central location. There is ample parking, a splash park, play structure and an outdoor washroom nearby. Access to water is adjacent to the property.
He noted they would not put up any permanent structures on the land; they would ensure that the grounds are maintained and presentable from April 1-Nov. 30 each year, with access to the property year-round; and they would have appropriate signage of garden guidelines.
If the City of Estevan or City Council feel they are not keeping up to the agreement, the land can be reclaimed at any time.
They hope to apply for charitable status for 2023, which would enable them to apply for grants.
The Pauls have also spoken to the Salvation Army about the needs facing the community and the ministry’s growing client list. Excess produce will be delivered to the Salvation Army or the Warm Welcome Kitchen.
Planting, watering and harvesting are all planned community events. If someone has an immediate need for produce, they will be asked to check the produce stand. If it is empty, they are asked to contact the Pauls.
There won’t be any produce pickup without permission, because the Pauls need to keep track of inventory.
Members of council praised the project. Councillor Shelly Veroba said she was pleased to see that the Pauls are invested in it, and she thinks the location near the water tower would be ideal.
She also praised the proposed harvest dates, so that people know the best day to come.
Councillor Kirsten Walliser appreciates that it not only looks at the nutritional needs of people, but the Pauls also want to have young people involved, and more experienced gardeners mentoring the youths.
Councillor Rebecca Foord expressed her support as well, but asked for the consultation with people in the area because it might add to traffic in the back alleys.
“We’re so fortunate in our community that anytime you have something good like this, the volunteers come forward and the community,” said Foord.
In the future, they would like to have a free seed bank, offer free starter plants, provide free gardening classes, and canning and preservation workshops.
Paul pointed out that he has received excellent support from the community and people have already stepped forward with donations.
A Facebook page for the Estevan Patch has already been created and they will also have an Instagram account.
