Food and Water Are Basic Human Rights and Kingston Bylaws Need to Change

Adding my voice ... The ability to grow ones own food should rise above the other outside water uses and should be exempt from header use limiting bylaws.

Food and water are our primary basic needs. It should go without saying that urban gardens be exempt from watering by-laws. It's the right thing to do!

We do have a big vegetable garden and watering it accordingly to the conditions is a must this summer. We water our vegetables not lawn. We consider that garden as a source of food and valuable nutrients that could be otherwise omitted due to the high prices of vegetables. Watering have been an issue and sometimes I had to do it even though it wasn't my turn.

This is a time sensitive issue right now. I hope something can be done about it ASAP.

Grow Local

I too grow vegetables in a home garden to supplement my family's nutritional requirements.

I agree we should conserve our water. I also agree that there should be a break for people who have gardens. My only objection is that the price that this city is charging for water and the way it is being charged. Firstly, why is my bill so high even when i'm not using the water for anything outside. We are seniors and only use it to wash our dishes in a dishwasher which is filled completely before we do a wash. Why is it so high when my husband and i only take 15 minute showers only once in a while. Still i am paying for for a bill which was considered part of taxes for Kingston several years ago.

Please consider this change for those who create urban food gardens. To be allowed to fill a swimming pool but not maintain a food garden is ridiculous.

I think everyone should have the right to use water to grow a garden.

The city needs to encourage more people to make use of their properties. Growing food should not be treated the same as watering grass. Please change the bylaw so that it becomes easier for us to create a sustainable city.

I support this

This world will be a much better place when we align with Mother nature, remember how to let her take care of us and that is through the plant family, honouring and nourishing, her and ourselves.

Sustainable food gardens should be encouraged, not discouraged. This garden directly influenced our decision to start one of our own. Fun, relaxing, healthy, and a great way to share with others. Thanks Sean, Meagan, and family!

totally agree food before lawns and washing cars.

Food is a must have, taking away from this is horrible.

Watering flowers and the lawn, washing your car should be differentiated from watering food.

I fully support this petition. This vegetable garden, in particular, is an exemplary use of city space and an inspiration to those who see it.

Gardening is such a different thing then lawns and car washing. It feeds our families and is not an aesthetic thing.

As an urban gardener I utilize multiple rain barrels to help water my garden. However with the very small amount of rainfall we've had this year , it has not helped very much. I prefer to use rainwater as it is better in every way for my plants , especially fruits, vegetables and herbs. I pay for my water and I am very water conscious and conservative in my daily living. I do not water my lawn at all but the watering of produce should not be limited the same way that car washing or lawn watering is. Gardening provides food for my family that is essential for our health and is good for our community as it promotes healthy soil development and encourages and keeps pollinators thriving. The by-laws needs to be adjusted for the betterment of our city.

I fully support this petition. Please exempt vegetable gardens from the bylaw. It should only be used to punish frivolous and aesthetic uses of water.