Organizers of the 24th annual Treefest are optimistic about the future of the former Riverview Hospital grounds but say unless more people care about the property, that future is still in doubt.
To that end, the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society has planned a festival for Sunday to welcome people to the 244-acre, provincial government-owned property, although this year activities will take place on the southwest portion, closest to Colony Farm Road, because filming is taking place in the area of West Lawn and Centre Lawn.
“Hopefully, the weather will not be that hot and people will come,” said Norma Gillespie, a longtime advocate for the property.
Gillespie said she is optimistic Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson, who was recently appointed minister of municipal affairs and housing — a portfolio that includes BC Housing and Riverview — will be an advocate for keeping the lands public for mental health purposes.
(In April, then NDP-leader John Horgan stated the Riverview lands would be used to provide public wellness for people in B.C.)
“I know we have a meeting coming up with Selina,” said Gillespie, who added she is interested in hearing what the new NDP government has to say about Riverview. “We feel very hopeful.”
Meanwhile, Treefest on Sept. 10 is offering guided tree tours, a Blackberry tea and heritage building walk, community and artist displays, as well as children’s activities, an opening ceremony by the Kwikwetlem First Nation, a food truck and an antique radio museum. Festivities take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free, except for the history bus tour and the purchase of any food or beverage.
To get to the site, take Lougheed Highway and enter at the the Colony Farm Road/Holly Drive entrance. Once you enter the grounds, follow the festival signs and arrows to the baseball field on Pine Terrace. The event will be held rain or shine.
