Conditions of Membership 2024
Maple Community Garden was founded in 1989 and has as its principal objectives the development
of a spirit of active participation and cooperation amongst its members, and the promotion of
organic gardening methods. Members share space together in a responsible and collaborative way
so that everyone can have an enjoyable gardening experience ☺
The following Conditions of Membership apply to all members:
a) One plot only per member; no subletting; no commercial use of plots or common areas.
b) The primary member may name an associate member to attend work parties or Annual General Meetings
in place of the primary member; if both the primary member and associate member are present at the same
work party or meeting, credit for attendance shall be given only to the primary member.
c) One plot corresponds to one vote in person at an Annual General Meeting.
d) Only one Work Party alternative (in exceptional circumstances) is allowed per year. Members who need
to do additional communal work to complete their minimum Work Parties are responsible for signing up for
alternative work in common areas, to be arranged in advance with the Membership Chair.
e) Payment of membership fee and signed Annual Contracts are both due at the Spring AGM or the first
work party in March, otherwise plot may be reassigned.
f) Raised beds must not be built up without discussing the proposed dimensions with the Executive.
g) The use of row covers, cloches, greenhouses or similar structures are not allowed to block sunlight to
neighbouring plots. For the same reason, tall plants must be grown on the North side of plots next to the
fence.
h) First year membership is on a conditional basis, therefore new members must meet all their
responsibilities in their first year. If, in the determination of the Executive, a new member is not fulfilling the
Conditions of Membership and abiding by the terms of the Annual Contract, they will not be offered
membership the following year.
Any current member who, in the determination of the Executive, is not fulfilling the Conditions of
Membership and abiding by the terms of the Annual Contract will be subject to conditional membership
status which will not be given two years in a row.
i) If a member is not fulfilling the Conditions of Membership and abiding by the terms of the Annual Contract:
The Chair and Vice Chair, in collaboration with the Membership Chair, will attempt to make a verbal request
prior to sending written email notice to advise the member of the concern, and will provide 14 full days for
the member to address the concern.
If concern is addressed within 14 days: no further action. However, if additional concerns come up in
the same growing season the member may be placed on conditional membership.
If concern is not addressed: both a second written email notice and voice mail will be sent to the
member advising that they are being placed on conditional membership as a result of the
outstanding concern. The member will be provided with 7 additional days to address the concern.
● If concern is addressed within 7 days: member will be removed from conditional membership,
and must continue to meet their obligations and abide by the Annual Contract.
● If concern is not addressed: Garden membership will be terminated, and plot reassigned.
j) For new membership applications, preference will be given to those with no garden plots elsewhere, and who are Kitsilano residents.
k) The Executive may make rare exceptions to any of the membership conditions subject to special
extenuating circumstances.
