New Westminster, B.C. – The City of New Westminster is pleased to announce the opening of The Habitat at Queen’s Park, as well as the completion of Phase 1 of the Queen’s Park Farm Transition Master Plan, which will ultimately transition the former petting farm space into a naturalized space that supports biodiversity as well as outdoor programming and activities throughout the year.

Phase 1 of the transition included removing the huts and feeder structures, and retrofitting the two gazebo structures to support year-round programming. The outdoor gazebos have been renovated so they are usable for outdoor public classes and workshops. To create a more inclusive space for all ages and abilities, the City partnered with the Rotary Club of New Westminster to install a wooden boardwalk along the edge of the wetland bog; the Rotary Club provided volunteer labour as well as $40,000 to fund construction. The City collaborated with artist Dr. T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss (Skwxwu7mesh, Sto:lo, Hawaiian, Swiss), as well as Indigenous youth artists and creators, to implement restorative features that support native fauna and flora. Staff also collaborated with mycologist Willoughby Arevalo, who is an artist and author, to inoculate logs to grow shiitake mushrooms. 

“The transition of the Queen’s Park Farm from livestock to habitat represents a commitment to deepen the connections between people and the ecosystems that sustain life in the city,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “The Habitat will support opportunities to play, learn, and gather outdoors with programs and activities designed to develop long-lasting environmental literacy and stewardship. We thank the Rotary Club of New Westminster for their significant contribution in assuring that the Habitat is accessible for all community members, and all the artists and experts who have collaborated with the City of New Westminster to advance the goals and objectives of the Queen’s Park Farm Transition Master Plan.”

With completion of Phase 1, The Habitat now hosts a wide range of ecological features: huglekultur, which are mounds of woody material that will eventually transform into highly fertile garden beds; swales and berms, which enable the collection of rainwater and allows it to better infiltrate the soil; mushroom logs, for demonstrating fungi diversity; nurse logs, for supporting seedlings; and a wetland bog, to support plants, fish, birds, and other animals. Planning and design work is underway for Phase 2 of the transition project. Learn more about the Queen’s Park Farm Transition Master Plan and the status of The Habitat project on the City’s website.

The public is invited to attend a welcome event for The Habitat on Friday, July 12, 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Attendees will be able to explore the new space, talk to the staff involved in the project, and learn more about the design features.

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Media Contact:

Melissa Nilan
Communications Coordinator
City of New Westminster
604-515-3808 |