Urban Greenspace

Urban Greenspace image

[last updated: Jan 7/10]

From community gardens in Kitsilano to Stanley Park to greenways along the Fraser River, urban greenspace is critical to building sustainable, healthy communities in the Lower Mainland. In the early 1980s SPEC supported City Farmer in creating the Vancouver Compost and Demonstration Gardens on the grounds of the SPEC Building. SPEC volunteers also established the Maple and Cypress Community Gardens that have become a local Vancouver landmark.

In 2003, SPEC supported the West End Residents Association and the Stanley Park Ecology Society in establishing a new Community Flower Garden in Stanley Park.

SPEC is working for the protection of greenspace on beaches and in parks that are threatened by commercial development. We are also working with local neighbourhood groups who want to create greenways and parks on the Eburne Lands by the Fraser River. And we continue to seek ways to develop a vision for the Arbutus Corridor that includes cycling and pedestrian paths, community gardens and passenger-friendly streetcars.

Take Action ( items taken from SPEC's Greenpages )

  • City of Vancouver Tree Tips and FAQs about the Tree By-Law    [last updated: Jul 27/09]

    For questions about the Tree Bylaw and the removal of trees, boulevard trees, and other tree issues in the Vancouver area check out this website.
    Tree Information Hot Line: 604-871-6378 All questions regarding street trees can be referred to Street Trees at 604-257-8600. For back lane trees, you can call Engineering at 604-871-6200.
    wayne.maskall@vancouver.ca
    website: www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/planning/treebylaw/TREETIPS.HTM
    greenpage category: Trees

  • Community Gardens on Park Lands in Vancouver    [last updated: Jul 16/09]

    Details of the Commuity Gardens Policy as well as a list of contact number for individual gardens.
    website: vancouver.ca/Parks/parks/comgardnpolicy.htm
    greenpage category: Gardening

  • Community Gardens in Greater Vancouver and Victoria    [last updated: Jul 16/09]

    An extensive list of community gardens with contact information provided by City Farmer.
    website: www.cityfarmer.org/vanccomgard83.html
    greenpage category: Gardening

  • Stanley Park Community Flower Garden    [last updated: Jul 16/09]

    The Stanley Park Community Flower Garden and Native Plant Demonstration Garden opened on September 20, 2003. Thanks to all our volunteers and sponsors. The Garden is a joint project of the West End Residents Association, the Stanley Park Ecology Society and SPEC.
    Phone and Adress here. Use Return to create line breaks
    website: www.stanleyparkecology.ca/.../communityGarden.php
    greenpage category: Gardening

  • Cypress Community Gardens    [last updated: Jul 16/09]

    Cypress Community Garden, an Award-winning grassroots initiative located along the Arbutus Corridor in the heart of Kitsilano, Vancouver. Garden members, along with tending organic vegetable and flower plots, initiate garbage clean-up, grass cutting and beautification of the neighbourhood through the creation of a walkable green space and surrounding public gardens. All work is done by volunteers.
    cypress@vcn.bc.ca
    website: www.cypresscommunitygarden.ca
    greenpage category: Gardening

  • Naturescape British Columbia    [last updated: Jul 16/09]

    The Naturescape British Columbia program is about restoring, preserving, and enhancing wildlife habitat in our urban and rural landscapes throughout the province. It is a program for people who want to connect more closely with nature in their daily lives.
    Mailing Address PO Box 9354 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9M1 Telephone: Toll Free: 1-800-387-9853 Local: 387-9853 Fax: 250-952-6684
    website: www.hctf.ca
    greenpage category: Gardening

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