Member Participation Guide

Last updated: March 4, 2026

The garden and its community are built, maintained and developed together. Member commitment is an essential element of our garden, without which everything quickly goes off the rails. It ensures that the necessary resources are safely available and creates an excellent environment for learning, socializing and personal development.

As a member, you are required to participate in at least one corvée (shared work session) each year, and to devote time to either a committee, the Leadership Council, or the Board of Directors, in accordance with City regulations.

There are many ways to get involved, depending on your interests, skills and availability. Think about what you can bring to the garden, and consider the options outlined in this document.

Note: Rules of community participation are strictly enforced by the City, as our waiting list is exceptionally long (around 500 people). People who do not wish to contribute to the community will be asked to step aside to make way for those who do.

Corvées

A corvée is a collective work session lasting 2–3 hours, usually held at the beginning and end of the season to open or close the garden infrastructure. Additional dates may be added throughout the year as required. Tasks vary and can take into account the age and physical condition of the member.

Each member is obliged to attend at least one corvée per year, in accordance with the City's regulations. Members who fail to attend at least one corvée in person will be expelled by the City. Co-gardeners may not attend in their place.

Beginning in 2026, each seasonal corvée period will take place over two days — typically one weekday and one weekend date — for a total of four scheduled days over the course of the year. If you can't make the scheduled dates, please contact the Board of Directors (CA) to arrange special arrangements in coordination with the City.

Corvées are organized by the Maintenance Committee. Members are encouraged to submit task suggestions or report items in need of repair to the Maintenance Committee Lead or through the Leadership Council in advance of scheduled work sessions.

Board of Directors (CA)

The Board of Directors acts on behalf of the organization and ensures that its mission is respected. It is often referred to by its French acronym, the CA (Conseil d'Administration). It is made up of seven people elected by and from among the members present at the Annual General Assembly (AGA).

The Board provides strategic direction, governance oversight and organizational continuity, working in close collaboration with the Leadership Council.

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure the smooth running and long-term sustainability of the garden
• Provide strategic direction and annual priorities
• Act as an intermediary between members and the borough
• Ensure clear and transparent communication with members
• Manage the garden's financial affairs
• Collaborate with and support the Leadership Council and committees
• Ensure that procedures and regulations are followed
• Hold an Annual General Assembly of members

Composition

• President
• Vice-President
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Administrator (Communications)
• Administrator (Administration / Generalist)
• Administrator (Generalist)

Elections

Elections take place at the Annual General Assembly (AGA) in the spring. Those wishing to join the Board are proposed and seconded during the AGA and must accept. If more than 7 people wish to participate, a written ballot will be held and counted before adjournment of the AGA. Positions and responsibilities are decided among members at their first meeting.

Leadership Council

The Leadership Council brings together the members of the Board of Directors and the Leads of each committee. This structure allows Committee Leads to move forward within their mandates — organizing activities, communications and work sessions without needing approval for routine decisions.

Composition

• All elected members of the Board of Directors
• One Lead per committee: Community & Events, Communications, Compost, Maintenance

Committee Lead Responsibilities

• Coordinate the activities and priorities of their committee
• Maintain communication with committee members and the Board
• Attend Board meetings
• Initiate meetings, projects, work sessions and communications as needed
• Report on committee progress and bring forward planning or budget considerations

Committee Member Responsibilities

• Execute the committee mandate
• Participate in meetings and work sessions
• Join a sub-committee or take on specific tasks
• Communicate and collaborate with the team to advance projects
• Contribute ideas for future initiatives

The Committees

Community & Events

The Community & Events Committee strengthens the social fabric of the garden by fostering a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant community. It combines member integration with the planning and coordination of events and educational activities.

• Welcome and orient new members
• Create and maintain a welcome kit
• Connect members through a mentorship program
• Conduct an annual feedback survey
• Organize community celebrations (e.g., Harvest Festival)
• Welcome external visitors (CPEs, etc.)
• Organize workshops and on-site activities

Communications

The Communications Committee manages our online and print communications channels, including the website, newsletters and printed documents.

• Newsletter: writing, editing, layout and publication
• Graphic design: signage and posters
• Translation: newsletter and garden documents (French to English, or other)
• Online presence: website and Facebook page
• Offline presence: printed information in the display case, shed, compost site and outhouse

Compost

The Compost Committee oversees all aspects of composting within the garden, promoting environmental sustainability and soil health.

• Maintain the compost site — regular turning and watering of beds
• Educate and train members on composting techniques
• Create and maintain relevant signage (with the Communications Committee)
• Maintain the mechanics of the composting toilet

Maintenance

The Maintenance Committee is responsible for maintaining and beautifying the garden's infrastructure and environment.

• Organize corvées at the beginning and end of each season
• Maintain and beautify common areas
• Organize the shed and maintain equipment
• Ensure the watering system is in good working order

Get Involved

If you would like to volunteer for a leadership role — either with the Board or as a Committee Lead — please write to the Board before the AGM to let us know.

Members of all levels of experience are welcome. Participating on the Board or as a team leader is an opportunity for personal development, which will be welcomed and supported by the community.

Questions? Contact us.