Below is our user agreement. It is here for your reference. If you have questions please contact us. Our contact information is posted on the right hand side of the page.
Northern Hills (Harvest Hills or Coventry Hills) Plot Rental Agreement
I understand that this Tenancy Agreement covers a maximum time period between May 1 and October 31, 2011
1. Each gardener can rent one plot and that plot is reserved for one season.
2. Gardeners residing in the Northern Hills communities of Harvest Hills, Coventry Hills, Country Hills, Country Hills Landing and Panorama Hills (herein referred to as Northern Hills), and have a valid NHCA membership have first priority for plots.
3. If there is space after residents of Northern Hills have been assigned garden plots, Calgarians who are not residents of Northern Hills will be able to rent a plot, but must also register and pay for an NHCA membership.
4. If I garden in the current year and am a resident of Northern Hills I have the first opportunity to get the same plot for the next year by registering for a plot by February 15 of the following year. If I want to change the size of the plot rented, the request will be granted if an appropriate plot is available after February 15.
5. March 15 is the deadline for residents of Northern Hills that are new to the garden to apply for a garden plot and be included on the garden waiting list.
6. April 15 is the deadline for non-residents of Northern Hills to apply for a garden plot and be included on the garden waiting list.
7. By May 1, people new to the garden and not resident in Northern Hills will be assigned plots in order by the date they signed up on the waiting list.
8. Plot rental fees for residents and non residents of Northern Hills are $35.00 for a 4 x 8 garden bed and $50.00 for a 4 x 12 garden bed. All fees are non-refundable. Both residents and non residents must hold a valid NHCA membership by May 15. All fees are payable by May 15 or their plot will be re-assigned to a gardener on the waiting list.
9. Plots that are not maintained on a regular basis (seeded, planted, weeded, watered, harvested, cleaned up) will revert back to the garden team to be assigned to someone else.
10. The garden team will assume a neglected plot to be abandoned if I have not attended to it within seven days of notification and it will be rented to another person, with no refund.
11. I am not permitted to give my plot away. I understand that the garden committee decides who can use a plot.
12. Any crops I leave in my plot after October 31 may be given to a local food bank or tilled into the ground.
13. Signing this agreement absolves the Northern Hills Community Association (NHCA) and the City of Calgary from any liability, financial or otherwise which may result from negligence or the inappropriate use of power and hand tools, either by myself or by others.
14. I understand that neither the garden group, the NHCA nor the City of Calgary are responsible for my actions. I therefore agree to hold these parties harmless for any liability, damage, loss or claim that occurs in connection with the use of the garden by my guests or me.
15. Water available in the garden is untreated and must not be used as drinking water.
16. During drought and water rationing periods, guidelines as set out by the City of Calgary will be communicated, and must be adhered to.
I, ____________________, on behalf of myself who is resident of _______________________ and the following users, _____________________, ______________________, ____________________, as conditions for renting garden plot(s) ____________________, which is _______ (size) in ______________________ (Harvest Hills or Coventry Hills) agree that I will:
1. Strictly adhere to organic gardening principles which
• Eschews the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Instead I will work with materials such as compost, mulch and natural predators to nurture plants and control pests and diseases.
• Adequately dilute emulsified fish and seaweed fertilizers prior to application so as not to attract cats to the site
• Where applicable, follow composting and mulching guidelines as provided by the garden committee
• Not add meat or dairy products to the compost. I agree not to add diseased plants nor weeds that have gone to seed to the compost and agree to help maintain a healthy productive compost system.
• All soil and compost brought into the garden must be organic before it is used in any garden plot.
• Keep weeds out of my plot and the paths around my plot by manual removal.
• Not introduce any plants on the list of forbidden plants that the garden committee has provided to the garden.
2. I will properly maintain the plot and common areas assigned to me and I will
• Have my garden plot planted by June 15 and cleaned out by October 31.
• Restrict crops which grow over 4 ft. in height to a maximum row length of 4 ft. so as not to shade neighbouring beds.
• Use trellises that are stable in all weather conditions and do not shade other gardens.
• Deal with insect and weed infestations quickly and organically to prevent spread to other plots.
• Weed and water all common areas near my garden plot
• Keep garbage and litter out of my plot and the paths around my plot.
• Recycle materials that can be recycled.
• Respect other gardeners’ rights and not cause actions detrimental to other garden renters. I will show respect for all gardeners.
• Take responsibility for any non-gardeners accompanying me to the site and ensure that children are supervised.
• Where applicable, use wood chips to mulch the border of the garden to keep weeds down and I may use them in my plot for weed control.
• When applicable, take my share of compost and peat moss that is delivered to the garden early in the season. I will leave enough for other gardeners.
• Conserve water and use mulch so I don’t have to water as much.
• Use hoses that do not leak.
• Where applicable, assist in managing compost.
• Not bring pets into the garden
• Provide eight hours of volunteer labour per year towards maintenance of common areas and community/food bank beds.
• Only pick produce or flowers from my own plot
• Pick produce when it is ripe.
• Not smoke in the garden nor permit any guests visiting my plot to smoke.
• Where applicable, clean shared garden tools and put them back into the storage shed after using them.
• Be responsible for my own hand tools.
• Assist in keeping grass on paths and common areas mowed.
• Keep the key or combination to the shared equipment shed/storage locker secure.
3. I will have first option of renewing the rental agreement on my assigned plot from year to year, provided that I have abided by all of the above.
4. Failure to comply with the above conditions may void this contract.
Signed ____________________________ Witness ___________________________
Address ________________________________________________________
NHCA membership number _________________________
Phone _________________ Email ___________________________
Date ___________________
Payment
4 x 8 bed ________ $35.00
4 x 12 bed _________ $50.00
Plot name ___________________________ Community Garden ___________________
Paid by: cash _____ cheque ______ visa _______
If paying by cheque, please make payable to Northern Hills Community Association
If paying by visa, complete the following
Visa number ____ ____ ____ ____ expiry date __/__
Signature _____________________________________
