Community Therapeutic Garden

What is happening?

Food security and mental health issues have been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among the City’s most vulnerable. The ongoing effects of the pandemic have highlighted the importance of knowing how to grow and sustain our local food supply. In response, the City of New Westminster has partnered with the GROWcery Food Network Society working with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association, to manage a Community Therapeutic Garden in Ryall Park. The site location is adjacent to a 44-unit modular housing development (838 Ewen Ave) for women who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.

Starting late September 2020, the City will be leasing a portion of Ryall Park to the GROWcery Food Network Society to construct, operate and manage a community therapeutic garden. Primarily funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the Job Creation Partnership will provide work experience and skills training in carpentry and landscaping for up to 12 eligible participants over 48 weeks, while supporting long-term food security objectives for the area. Following the construction, the community garden plots will be available to Queensborough community.

By the end of the project, the community will benefit from a community garden that combines community gardens, an orchard, social spaces as well as a therapeutic garden. The project is anticipated for completion in July 2021.