Composting Demonstration Sites

Compost Demonstration sites are located throughout the City of Winnipeg. These are managed by various community groups. Each site features a variety of functional compost bins and informative signage.

These sites act as a visual tool for interested community members to learn the basics of composting through a "hands-on" approach. The sites are designed to provide information on compost bin set-up requirements and to clarify the range of materials that can and cannot be composted.

Locally generated organic waste is composted within the community and finished compost is added to the Community Gardens. The rich soil generated at these sites has proven to be a substantive contribution to the success of community gardens.

You will be able to:
• See how a pile should be
• See how to aerate and layer and learn why it is important
• See what the end result looks like and
• Take the temperature of the pile

If you are a Community Garden member interested in learning about composting, or would like assistance with your Community Garden composting needs, please contact the Compost Infoline at 204-925-3777.


Compost Demonstration Sites in Winnipeg:

St. Matthew's - Maryland Community Garden
Located on the West side of McGee Street, just North of St. Matthew's Avenue, the site is adjacent to the Community Garden and hosts a 3-bin system, a pallet bin, a chicken wire bin and a rotating compost bin. The site is served by the community residents and is managed throughout the summer by an Urban Green Team staffed at the St. Matthew's -Maryland Community Garden.

St. Norbert Arts and Culture Centre (SNACC)
The site is located on rue des Ruines du Monastre on the site of the Monastery ruins, West of Pembina Highway at the south end of St. Norbert. The site is situated at the rear of the residence, and features two 3-bin systems, pallet bins, and a variety of commercial PVC bins. The site was created in partnership with SNACC to help educate their visitors and the residents of the St. Norbert community. The site is intended for the use of garden wastes and kitchen scraps produced by the staff of the SNACC.

Spence Neighbourhood Association – Kids’ Community Garden
The Kids’ Community Garden site, located on 435/437 Furby St. between Portage Ave and Ellice Ave, features 3 wooden compost bins.  Not only are the bins used for composting the organic material on site but it is also used to educate local kids about the benefits and uses of compost. The Kids’ Garden is supported by youth, volunteers and the Spence Neighbourhood Association.”

Montrose Park
Located in the community of River Heights at the corner of Fleet Ave. and Montrose St., this site is the first compost bin ever to be placed in a City of Winnipeg park. The Montrose demonstration site consists of one large 3-bin system for composting garden waste, autumn leaves, and grass clippings. Adopt-A-Park volunteers turn the piles and Compost Action Project staff members maintain and repair the bin when necessary.
Finished compost is incorporated into the flowerbeds in the park. People are encouraged to visit Montrose Park, read the informative signage and view the beautiful gardens.

St. John’s College - University of Manitoba
Located on the University of Manitoba Campus, next to the St. John’s College. This site features a 2-bin system and one holding unit for leaves. The site was created in partnership with St. John’s College and the University of Manitoba’s Waste Prevention Office to reduce the amount of waste coming from the St. John’s College Cafeteria and the Daily Bread Café.  The site has interpretive signage to educate University staff and students.
 
Assiniboine Park Conservatory
The Conservatory is located in the Assiniboine Park on right hand side of Conservatory Drive when entering from Corydon Avenue. The demonstration site is to the right side of the Conservatory in an alcove of trees. The garden waste from the conservatory is made into compost by Friends of the Conservatory and then used to beautify indoor and outdoor gardens.