An empty lot that was once home to a London Drugs store is now growing broccoli in aisle 3. On opening day, August 10th, spirits were high as neighbours planted, watered and enjoyed the sun. Check out our opening day video to see the green action for yourself.
This location, in the 2500 block of East Hastings Street in Vancouver, was slated to be built into a mixed-use retail residential development, but market conditions led to a delay in that project. Rather than let the lot sit empty, the real estate team at London Drugs partnered with Shifting Growth to sponsor a temporary urban garden on the site. (The Hastings Street London Drugs store #7 is still operating in a location right next door)
The Shifting Growth organization has a total of three community garden locations in Vancouver, with a fourth in the planning stages.
With 170 plots, three fruit trees and a community herb bed, this garden has created a lot of interest around the neighbourhood. This East Vancouver community has a history of people growing their own food, but not everyone has the space. The infrastructure is mobile, so when development starts, plots can be moved to another Shifting Growth site.
In the meantime, we’ll watch for the tomatoes to ripen.
For more information visit hastingsnorthgarden.com
