Published by City Farmer, Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture
Mayor Opens Water-wise Garden
News Release from the City of Vancouver
May 21, 1997
Mayor Philip Owen will officially open Vancouver's first "water-wise" garden on:
Friday, May 23, 1997 at 1:30 p.m.
This unique water conservation garden was developed by the City of Vancouver, in cooperation with City Farmer, Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture, a non-profit organization. The project, funded by Environment Canada, demonstrates the principles of water-wise gardening. It is located on the street front and will be open to the public year-round.
City Farmer
2150 Maple Street (Maple at 6th Avenue)
From 1:30-3:30 p.m., City staff and gardeners will be on hand to give tours, provide information on native plants adapted to dry summers, and promote the City's water conservation programs.
Vancouver's innovative water conservation program includes demonstration gardens, selling rain barrels at reduced prices, public and school education programs, and information available in print and on the Internet.
According to Jeff Smyth, Water Conservation Analyst for the City, water conservation is important because, "During the summer, up to 40 per cent of the water used in Vancouver is for outdoor watering. Despite annual sprinkling regulations, which come into effect June 1, the pressure on our valuable water resource will only increase as the regional population grows."
By following the principles of water conservation gardening - i.e. conditioning soil using compost, collecting water in rain barrels, and using native plants that are naturally adapted to dry conditions - Smyth says we can dramatically reduce water consumption.
Residents who want to find out more about water conservation can:
- call the Water Conservation Hotline at (604) 873-7350
- visit the water conservation section of the City's website at
Waterwise Gardening
City Rain Barrel
Water-wise Demonstration Garden
