The City of Toronto really doesn't advertise these allotments much, but I go past every morning on my way to work and decided this year to search the city's website for details. I called a bit late ( they open the waiting list on February 1 each year). The waiting list is destroyed every year so you have to call every year to get on the list. For existing plot holders, the city contacts you around February 1 to renew your permit. There is a deadline and if you don't get your money in on time, you are out of luck. Many of the plot holders have put in some really hard work so it's surprising that anybody gets off the waiting list.
I was fortunate to get off the waiting list for an allotment close to home , on Givendale. For those I grew up with in Scarborough, you will recognize this little roadway as the hydro field cut-through that we walked on our way to home economics classes at Ionview public school. I was lucky to get a spot here so close to where I grew up, and also close to where I live now.
When I got the call, I was told there were 5 openings but only 4 people on the waiting list so I had no worries about getting a spot. Except, that these 5 spots were all a bit of a nightmare. Every one of them over-grown and with knee-high weeds. I ranked the spots by preference and called the next morning. Sadly my first three choices were already taken so I said that I would pass on a plot for the year. The other two were just too far gone in my opinion. And one of them, I was told by another plot holder, would flood after every rain - last years plot holder just gave up.
Next day, I discussed with my sister and brother-in-law , and they said they would help and come up with ideas for diverting the flood water. So I called early on the next Monday and got the spot. I was also told that because I knew it flooded, they would write that on the permit so I couldn't call after and say I was sold a dud plot. No worries, I had a plan!! I took the plot!! Now the hard work begins.
