- Highlights
Steamworks, Green Cities Foundation, Para Space Landscaping Inc, and the BCNLA are working together to transform a forgotten lot into a community greenspace.
Steamworks Brewing Company, Para Space Landscaping Inc., the British Columbia Nursery and Landscape Association and the Green Cities Foundation have partnered to renovate an ignored and underutilized area in Burnaby, BC to transform it into a public greenspace for the benefit and enjoyment of North Burnaby Neighbours and visitors of the area. Special thanks to the City of Burnaby and BC Hydro for their support of this project, providing the space and access.
A group of volunteers from the green industry in BC will be landscaping the space, and Steamworks has taken on the ongoing maintenance and stewardship of this greenspace as a commitment to the improvement and beautification of the neighbourhood. The proposed improvements to this inclusive and accessible space include:
– Addition of picnic benches, park benches and/or alternative outdoor seating, and a trash/recycling receptacle unit
– Installation of a pollinator garden in raised hexagonal wooden planter beds and a “bee hotel” to support the mainteneance of a healthy neighbourhood pollinator insect population
– Potential for the addition of public art made from brewery equipment, barrels, etc
“We hope that rehabilitation of this under-utilized corner of our neighbourhood will not only have a positive impact on the health of our local ecosystem but that it also facilitate a sense of wellness and community for our neighbours and those visiting the North Burnaby area”, Eli Gershkovitch, Steamworks CEO.
“The Landscape Profession is proud to give back to our communities, and hopes that by partnering on projects like this we can raise awareness on the value of green spaces and the positive impacts to the community that they can provide”, Jeff Foley, CEO Para Space Landscaping Inc., Landscape Chair BC Landscape and Nursery Association.
The Green Cities Foundation will be collecting public donations towards the project – donations can be made online via www.gcfoundation.ca
The Green Cities Foundation is a community connecting plants and people for a greener, healthier urban environment, established by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, urban dwellers have been required to shelter in place and maintain social distance. As the restrictions on movement and gatherings are eased, citizens are moving outdoors and there is a growing realization that urban areas need more green, open spaces for people to congregate safely and enjoy the outdoors. This project will take an underutilized and neglected space, and create a natural landscape that will improve community health and well-being.
