Franklin Drive Garden Update

For many years, City-owned property on Franklin Drive has been offered as a community garden to help promote food security and community access to garden space.

While most gardeners have had a positive experience there, the City has been made aware of significant and escalating conflict among some garden members over the past year.

In response, the City provided a range of supports, including referrals to individual resources, facilitated meetings, coordinated involvement of Social Services and Stratford Police Service, and an exploration of alternative governance and management approaches for the garden.

Despite these considerable efforts, a resolution satisfactory to all parties has not been reached.

Just last week, events escalated again, and emergency services were called to the site.

A decision was made to terminate the lease with leaseholder, and close the garden for this year.

However, we are willing to explore options to salvage the 2026 growing season, with input from the gardeners themselves.

The goal is to re-establish an operating model that ensures equitable access, and a safe and welcoming environment for all participating gardeners.

If you are a gardener at Franklin Drive, please reach out to us at cao@stratford.ca