Our Story

How it all began

For more than two years, a small group of gardeners was determined to establish a community garden in Old Ottawa South. They envisioned a garden that would include growing space for individuals, families, and the community; a children's garden; and a space to grow food that would be given to those in need. It would be an organic garden without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

After an exhaustive search, many rejected potential sites, and much public consultation, the perfect spot was finally located in Brewer Park, in a sunny, out of the way corner between Brewer Pool and the former location of the Westboro Academy School.

On May 22, 2012, the City of Ottawa approved the site, and the Brewer Park Community Garden was born. By this time, the group had grown to more than 25 gardening members! 

With funding from the City of Ottawa, Just Food/Community Garden Network, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (for the children's garden), Capital Ward city Councillor David Chernushenko, and support from EcoAce Reconstruction, the building of the community garden began in June 2012 with the construction of 28 raised beds. Dozens of dedicated gardeners and volunteers worked to establish a community garden in Ottawa's Brewer Park.

Thanks to funding in 2013 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Just Food Ottawa, and the Government of Canada's Summer Jobs Program, the community garden was able to build 35 more garden boxes, 9 berry boxes, 4 communal boxes, and a shed. These garden boxes more than doubled the size of the garden and completed the garden's growth, as originally planned. 

Biodome Garden

In Spring 2014, site excavation began on BPCG's Biodome Garden with construction taking place over the summer months. On August 17, 2014, City of Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson officially opened the completed biodome structure.

The Biodome Garden, a pilot project, was the first of its kind in Ottawa. Like a greenhouse, the biodome gave BPCG members an extended growing season and served as a demonstration, education, and research station, for gardeners, community members, and local schools. The biodome was decommissioned and dismantled in 2024.

Urban Community Gardens

In the neighbourhoods of many major cities, much of the land is unproductive, unaesthetic, and biologically impoverished. Ottawa is no exception. An increasing number of people in these cities do not have the means to buy healthy food, though many would grow their own if they had space for a garden. As well, an aging population–a growing segment of our communities–has less income but more leisure time and a need for meaningful physical activities.

Community gardens offer a win-win solution. They reconnect urban dwellers with nature and help them develop a deeper appreciation of sustainable development. Gardens are also a microcosm of the environment and a portal for understanding concepts and issues in environmental education, both at home and at school.

The Brewer Park Community Garden was established to contribute to food security by transforming a patch of open lawn into rich, fertile soil for growing affordable organic food for the local urban population of Old Ottawa South, including primary school and university students. 

Impact on our Community

• Garden members learn about ecologically responsible gardening practices, such as organic growing methods and water conservation. 

• A group of volunteers will grow produce for donation to food banks, meal programs, and other food security programs.

• A community garden gives city dwellers access to land for growing food while building community ties. 

• The garden brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to work as volunteers, side-by-side in the garden. 

• The garden instills community pride by building self-esteem and “greening up” our neighbourhood.