A Clearer View into Community Gardening

A new fence at the Courtland Shelley Community Garden is helping this cherished neighbourhood space feel safer, more open and more welcoming. 

Located in Vanier Park, the garden was built in 2000 and has grown into a vibrant community gathering place. Today, it is home to more than 20 garden plots, cared for by gardeners who represent a variety of cultures, languages and lived experiences. For more than two decades, the garden has supported food growing, relationship building and neighbourhood pride. 

In 2025, the garden’s longstanding wood fence was damaged when it blew over during a storm, leaving some sections beyond repair. While planning for the replacement, conversations with community members highlighted an important opportunity: the original wood fence blocked visibility into the garden. Some neighbours were not aware of the beautiful space behind it, and the limited sightlines created safety concerns by leaving hidden areas around the site. 

With support from a 2025 LoveMyHood Matching Grant, the gardeners replaced the damaged wood fence with a new chainlink fence. Installed in spring 2026, the new fence opens the garden visually while continuing to define the space. Improved sightlines help reduce hidden areas, support a stronger sense of safety and make the garden more inviting to neighbours passing through Vanier Park. 

The Courtland Shelley Community Garden fence replacement is a great example of resident-led placemaking in action. By responding to both practical needs and community feedback, gardeners have helped create a space that is more visible, inclusive and connected to the surrounding neighbourhood.  

Next time you’re in Vanier Park, take a moment to visit the Courtland Shelley Community Garden, meet the gardeners, and see how resident-led projects like this help our neighbourhoods grow. Have an idea to improve your neighbourhood? Connect with us to learn how LoveMyHood can help bring resident-led placemaking projects to life.