Use it or lose it — that's the concern of the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society that is advocating for the protection of the former Riverview hospital site in Coquitlam.
Long-time advocates are hoping a good crowd turns out to the 23rd annual Treefest Sunday, Sept. 11 on the Riverview grounds where people can learn about the world-class arboretum, get gardening tips, enjoy performances, take part in children's activities, enjoy some art and taste some hot tea and other treats.
"We're going to lose it (the 244 acre Riverview site) if the government doesn't feel that people care," said Norma Gillespie, president of the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society. "Everybody says the same thing when they come out [to the site]: 'It has to be saved.'"
Since a master plan for the site was revealed last December, Gillespie said she hasn't heard much from BC Housing, which operates the site, but has witnessed a number of changes, such as road work and the demolition of Valleyview to make way for a 105-bed complex to replace the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction in Burnaby, and another building with 38 beds to replace the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre and Provincial Assessment Centre.
Gillespie said her group would have preferred the Valleyview building, a 57-year-old structure that at its peak had 328 beds for geriatric patients, be reused for other health purposes.
"The demolition there is moving along very quickly," she acknowledged, noting that while the new services are needed she worries about the decision-making that led to the destruction because it occurred outside of the scope of public consultation for the Renewing Riverview vision.
Meanwhile BC Housing is surveying trees on the site for a tree management plan and members of the public might notice ribbons and paint on some trees.
According to BC Housing, paint was originally used to indicate trees had been surveyed but the practice has since stopped after concerns were raised by grounds personnel and ribbons are now being used.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Riverview Treefest is a free family event taking place Sunday, Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Riverview grounds. Follow the signs to parking. Among the activities are hourly tree tours (beginning at 11 a.m.), demonstrations by SPARC Radio Museum, self-guided tours of Finnie's Garden, master gardeners answering questions, kid's crafts, history bus tours, a heritage building walk, a blackberry tea, art and art making. The Canadian Sound Therapy Arts Society is hosting a Creative Cafe and music will be available in the Serenity Garden. A concession will also be available, providing hot food.
More information is available at http://www.rhcs.org/treefest.html
