Maple Community Garden

 

Over the last few days there have a been some media attention on the issue of evicting gardeners and reactivating the corridor for train use.

1. Vancouver Sun Editorial: Arbutus line should remain green for now
Until both sides stop squabbling, gardens must stay.

Excerpt from the editorial:

“CP Rail and the city of Vancouver should step up negotiations on the future of the Arbutus Corridor and avoid punishing residents for the failure of government and the company to reach a compromise.”

Such ‘encumbrances,’ as CP labels [the gardens], contribute greatly to the charm of the area that bisects quiet residential neighbourhoods. The community gardens, some beautifully creative and well tended, also help bring people together in a city teeming with sometimes lonely newcomers and condo dwellers.”

2. Joyce Murray, Vancouver Quadra MP wrote to CP Rail asking the CEO to cancel evictions of community gardeners and work with community to find a more satisfactory way forward. Read her letter as reprinted in the Georgia Straight.

Excerpt from her letter:

“The July 31st deadline for clearing the gardens is unreasonable and will waste the work that has been invested in this season’s garden production. The corporation’s decision to issue notices to remove gardens and sheds, without adequate time to make other arrangements, appears to be a thoughtless one that fails to meet the standards of good corporate citizenship.”

3. A Maple Community Gardens member shares her perspective in the City Farmer News.

Excerpt from Deirdre Phillips’ letter:

“…our gardens are a very important element of our city and community on so many levels. The City of Vancouver, regardless of the administration in charge, has made community gardens one of the top priorities in our urban environment as part of the overall City plan. Our members and gardens provide food security and beauty to our neighbourhood, along with a chance for all passerby’s to interact with the natural world giving a respite from the concrete jungle and the daily grind of modern living. I cannot tell you how many people over the years have expressed their delight and gratitude to what we have created here.

… Do you really want destroying our community gardens to be your legacy?”

Remember to sign the petition to ask the Mayor to act to protect the gardens!