The York Region Food Network’s community garden in Aurora is changing locations, a move its executive director hopes will have little impact on people who rely on its produce.

“Hopefully, it won’t be too disruptive to the gardeners,” said executive director Joan Stonehocker.

This year marked the network’s fifth season at the property which has 63 plots for about 60 families, Ms Stonehocker said.

Some of the produce from the garden goes to the Aurora Food Pantry.

The town is selling its land at the Jack Woods property at 95 Allaura Blvd. near Edward Street, which is why the garden has to be moved.

The new site is on Industrial Parkway South, close to Yonge Street.

Town staff have said the new site will be ready for the next growing season in May 2009.

“It would be nice to stay where we are. Since it is not possible, they (the town) have been supportive in finding a place to go to,” Ms Stonehocker said. “It is a little bit further out of town, I guess. Hopefully, it won’t be too hard on people.”

The new location is on a bus route.

Ms Stonehocker is upbeat about the new location.

“I am thinking it will be fine. They have tested the soil.”

The town is moving in top soil from a soccer field and network staff are hoping a contracting company will move some soil from the current garden.

The garden will remain in its current location until the end of this growing season, until fall.

Town staff have reassured the food network that the next location will be more permanent, Ms Stonehocker said.