The City of New Westminster announced Monday a new community garden.
Located in Ryall Park in Queensborough, the garden is a partnership with B.C.’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, GROWcery Food Network Society and the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association.
The ministry provided more than $320,000 for the project through WorkBC’s Community and Employer Partnerships.
“I strongly believe in community programs like this that provide work skills to our vulnerable populations while connecting them to their community,” said Mayor Jonathan X. Coté, in a statement. “Thank you to the province for investing in our community, and also to our community partners for providing guidance to our participants and ensuring the garden is a success in growing food and cultivating relationships.”
The garden was completed through the program by six participants, four of whom are now employed and two are actively looking for job opportunities with their new skills and experiences. In addition, four residents of the nearby Mazarine Lodge and another individual receive funding through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction’s Work Experience Opportunities Grant, to assist with groundskeeping activities at the garden and are each managing a raised bed garden.
The garden was added to “promote food security, ecological sustainability and strengthen community connections,” said a news release. It includes the following features:
- 24 raised garden plots, with two plots designed for those with mobility challenges.
- Hose-bib connections and built-in reservoirs for irrigation.
- Tool shed for access to shared tools.
- Three-bin compost and potting table.
- Entry therapeutic garden planted with medicinal and edible plants typically found in the forest.
- Perimeter pollinator meadow and planted with a fruit and nut orchard.
- Seed and plant library for sharing plants, clippings and seeds.
- Seating for gathering, socializing and resting.
“We’re very proud of this garden project which has delivered on so many levels, from career preparedness and new job opportunities to providing a space for the community to enjoy,” said Jeremy Dyson, program manager at GROWcery Food Network Society, in a statement. “We’ve already been able to see classes from the local school come through on walks and some residents from the Mazarine Lodge enjoying their bountiful harvests.”
The community is invited to explore the new Ryall Park Community Garden by registering to attend the opening event on Monday, July 19. Three family sessions are available for pre-registration at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Call the Queensborough Community Centre at 604-525-7388 to register.
