City unveils new and improved Boulevard Garden guidelines

Saskatoon’s Boulevard Garden guidelines have been refreshed and are now available on the City’s website. Accompanying the Guidelines is a proposed expansion of the program to additional spaces, such as centre medians, which will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services on April 6, 2021.   
 
“The updates to the guidelines will provide more clarity, encourage residents to join the program, and ensure fairness among neighbours and gardeners,” explains Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “Gardening can reduce stress, provide food for ourselves or for pollinators, and is an outdoor activity that can be done alone or distanced, which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she adds.  

Two noteworthy updates to the guidelines include: 

1. Photos and diagrams have been added for easy understanding. Readers will also find clear information on how far their gardens need to be from trees and streets.  
2. Temporary raised beds and other moveable containers/structures are now permitted during the gardening season, but must be removed by October 15th. 

Earlier this year, public engagement was conducted and two online surveys were completed by more than 1,800 residents. The response to the surveys indicated a very high interest in gardening on additional public land, not just boulevards. Because of this, the option to expand to centre medians and assess additional opportunities for expansion is being presented to the Committee on April 6.  

The updated guidelines reflect safety, maintenance, and community stewardship throughout and can be found at: saskatoon.ca/boulevardgardens.