Supportive housing resident Denis Dubeau is concerned that the gardens he and other residents have been working on for four years are going to be dismantled.
Dubeau said his 18-member group known as the garden party has paid for everything themselves. The main garden is situated behind the supportive housing facility on Joyce Avenue in Powell River with a number of raised beds. It also features a heart-shaped garden in recognition of first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve planted flowers and vegetables and we’ve put in thousands of hours of work to clean things up there and to do everything that had to be done,” said Dubeau. “We’ve done it for free.”
Dubeau said he understands that money has been provided for gardens at the supportive housing facility and the garden party has not received any contributions.
“I just asked where all the money was going,” said Dubeau. “They said we have to get out of there and they are going to take down everything we’ve put up.”
Dubeau said he has not profited from the garden and gives back food to residents of the supportive housing facility. He said the gardens grow corn, potatoes, zucchini, plus strawberries and blueberries.
Dubeau said the garden party asked for permission to put in the gardening infrastructure and received it.
“We’re just trying to make the place look better,” said Dubeau.
He said his tools have been taken and that the water has been shut off. He added that he just wants to carry on with the gardening.
Lift’s Community Services director of programs Kim Markel said the gardens at the Lift building on Joyce Avenue remain intact.
“Lift’s supportive housing program has a community garden space that several participants, including Mr. Dubeau, actively use to grow vegetables, berries and flowers for personal use,” stated Markel in a written response. “The garden has the benefits of beautifying the grounds and providing a meaningful activity for program participants.
“Lift has recently cleaned up debris around the garden area to eliminate clutter and ensure safety and accessibility. As part of these efforts, we are expanding the garden to add new raised beds for participant use and installing a deer fence and an irrigation system. The existing garden beds planted by participants like Mr. Dubeau will not be disturbed by this work.”
Markel said Lift looks forward to offering even more gardening space for participants to take part in this popular activity.
She added that all items and tools that were removed from the garden during the clean-up were or will be offered to their individual owners.
“Any outstanding items that individuals want back will be returned,” stated Markel, “and the remaining items will be disposed of as appropriate in the coming days.”
