May 6, 2022
Vancouver, BC – As part of Langara College’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the campus continues to add new green spaces. Gardenability is an accessible garden designed to allow community members with limited mobility to experience the joy of gardening and green spaces. The accessible garden is a project led by the 2022 Sustainability Student Ambassador team, through support from a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Go Wild Campus Grant.
“This garden incorporates Universal Design, whereby spaces and programs are designed to include to the greatest extent possible all people,” said Maggie Stewart, Coordinator for Langara’s VOLT Student Volunteer Program. “By creating higher raised and wheelchair accessible garden beds, a large range of individuals, with or without limited mobility, can grow food and enjoy the positive physical and mental benefits of gardening.”
Persons with disabilities are often excluded from participation because of limited accessibility; students with disabilities are especially vulnerable in terms of food security. Gardenability addresses both by offering raised garden beds suitable for those who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility. The garden is located at the northeast corner of A Building near Ontario St. by the employee preferred lot, with a paved path for access.
“We are so grateful to the WWF Team, and donations from various Langara community members in support of this project. Every seed package, every plant, and every hour donated by our community members has created an accessible and more inclusive garden space that will be celebrated for years to come,” added Stewart.
“The creation of this garden has started very important conversations around which community members have access to services and campus features, and works towards College equity, diversity, and inclusion goals,” said Dwayne Doornbosch, Director of Facilities and Chair of Langara’s Sustainability Committee. “Community gardens are collaborative spaces that promote food security and provide mental and physical health benefits. Ensuring that these spaces are accessible to a greater diversity of people is a critical step in enhancing their use and benefit in our communities.”
In Fall of 2021, Langara earned a silver STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education for its environmental sustainability efforts over the past few years, exceeding its 2025 Strategic Plan goal. In addition to assisting with climate action, the accessible garden is an opportunity to increase equity on campus and aligns with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
This garden is the newest addition to Langara’s growing wildlife biodiversity, which includes a community garden, fruit garden, and a number of pollinator gardens.
About snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 23,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm 'house of teachings', a name given to it by Musqueam, on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.
Learn more.
Mark Dawson
Manager, Public Affairs
Langara College
mdawson@langara.ca
