The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Park Board support community gardens as part of our commitments under the Vancouver Food Strategy and the Local Food Action Plan. There are currently over 110 community gardens and orchards in City parks, on schoolyards, and on private property in Vancouver. There's even a community garden at City Hall.
Community gardens on City land and in parks are operated by non-profit organizations through operating agreements with the City or Park Board. Community gardens on private property are managed by the property owner, sometimes in collaboration with other companies or community organizations.
Unsanctioned gardens along the Arbutus Greenway
An area located along the Arbutus Greenway – commencing south of SW Marine Dr, extending along the west boundary of William Mackie Park, is actively being used for unsanctioned gardens.
This has included the following activities:
- Digging
- Planting
- Installation of gardening structures
Early investigation work was conducted that identified the area as being culturally sensitive to the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) community.
At the request of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and in accordance with Provincial Legislation, the area cannot be disturbed or altered in any way. This includes any gardening or recreational use that could result in ground disturbance.
Any activities occurring within the identified area that result in ground disturbance are unlawful and will be reported as a Natural Resource Violation to Provincial authorities, and may result in criminal charges under the Heritage Conservation Act and fines up to one million dollars for corporations and up to $50,000 for individuals.
We appreciate how important these gardens are to the community. We continue to invest in infrastructure for sanctioned gardens on City and Park land, and support the creation of new gardens as opportunities arise.
Find a community garden
The map below provides a current listing of community gardens across the City, including the garden organizer and contact information. This information can also be found on the City’s Open Data Portal.
This map is maintained by staff to the best of our knowledge but may have inaccuracies. To add a community garden to the map, or update your garden’s listing, please contact foodpolicy@vancouver.ca.
Many gardens currently have a waitlist for plots. These waitlists are managed by each garden, not by the City.
For other opportunities to get involved with urban agriculture in Vancouver, see links to organizations supporting community gardens in the Resources for planning a new garden section below.
