Wetland Project

Bounded by Prior Street, Hawks and Malkin Avenues, Strathcona Community Garden is located within the traditional territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Coast Salish people.

The southern part of the garden along what is now Malkin Avenue was originally marshy, tidal basin and mudflats – part of ‘Upper’ False Creek (between what is now Main Street and Clark Drive). These waters were badly polluted by the time they were filled in at the end of WW I, and the filled lands upon which the SCG are now located served as a garbage dump for a number of years. In 1985, local residents took action to transform this 3.34 acres of vacant city land into the Strathcona Community Garden, which continues to be completely volunteer-run by over 200 gardeners. The relationship with the city was subsequently formalized by a long-term lease with the Vancouver Parks Board. Approximately one-third of the garden, in the southeast quadrant, has always been dedicated as a wildlife habitat area, including a large pond/wetland area. Over time, however, this has been impacted by illegal dumping and the wetland has lost its ability to hold water and is now only a seasonal winter pond, while as recently as 20 years ago, it was able to sustain a year-round population of frogs.