Re: May 2007 to May 2008 Accomplishments

[Cylia Wong]

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. by
Margaret Mead


Vancouver Urban Agriculture Network First Year Report
May 2007 to May 2008

In May 2007, Vancouver’s current and prospective community gardeners
held their own public forum. More than 50 garden representatives
citywide discussed how to enhance urban agriculture, including
securing city support and working with the campaign to add 2,010 new
plots by 2010. It was decided that an ongoing group representing
community gardeners should be formed – to speak on policy issues, to
communicate and liaise with the City of Vancouver on issues that
mattered to them, etc. The Urban Agriculture Advisory Group was
created and has since evolved to become the Vancouver Urban
Agriculture Network (VUAN).

Ten one-hour meetings were held, usually on the second Monday of each
month, at various locations with various members attending. A list of
gardening contacts has been compiled and is updated when we are
informed.

A VUAN committee met and thoroughly reviewed the Operational
Guidelines for Community Gardens on City Owned Land Other than City
Parks and compiled a report of recommendations. This was used when
VUAN representatives were asked to attend a City of Vancouver
consultation session in January 2008. During that session, we
identified that we wanted free water use. Councillor Peter Ladner was
present at this session and he spearheaded a motion which was approved
by Council that community gardens no longer needed to pay for water
use. We believe that our input was instrumental in this change in City
policy and have also thanked Councillor Ladner for his actions.

We sent a letter in support of the UBC farm in its current format and
location. A reply was received from President Toope acknowledging our
input.

A letter was drafted in favor of the co-op model as the ideal
governance structure for the umbrella organization responsible for
helping Vancouver residents to create more gardens.

We are currently enquiring with the City of Vancouver on the practice
of free compost delivery to community gardeners.

We have begun to send our minutes to all community gardens to keep
them informed.

All meetings are open to the public and we welcome newcomers. Further
information on our group and our activities can be found at:

http://groups.google.com/group/vancouver-community-gardens?hl=en

Our email address is infovuan (at) yahoo.ca


Cylia T. Wong
Member, Vancouver Urban Agriculture Network
Representing Community Gardeners