DUNSMUIR URBAN COLLECTIVE GARDEN ON NINTH AVENUE
Growing Something New at the DUC Garden
The Dunsmuir Urban Collective Garden is located next door to 33543 Ninth Avenue between Stave Lake Street and Dunsmuir Street. What began on a small piece of road dedication has grown into a developing community garden and gathering space in the heart of Mission.
We started by building the garden from the ground up and continue to expand its layout, beds and programming one step at a time. The garden is still evolving, shaped by determination, creativity and a strong commitment to community.
Thanks to a small but passionate group of volunteers, many of whom balance work, family responsibilities or disabilities, the DUC Garden is becoming a place where people grow food, build relationships and imagine what is possible when neighbours work together.
Our Story on the TEDx Stage
In June 2025, the Dunsmuir Urban Collective Garden was featured in a TEDx talk by Pascale-Sara Frenette titled How to Grow a Community. The talk shares the origin story of the garden, how an unused roadway, a handful of neighbours, and a belief in simple acts of connection grew into a collective farming project involving volunteers, families, seniors, and students. Drawing from childhood memories, early block parties, neighbourhood organizing, and the creation of the Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association, the talk highlights how the garden is not only about growing food, but about growing people, belonging, and capacity within the community.
What We’ve Accomplished So Far
• Secured a lease with the City of Mission giving us the opportunity to transform the 9th Avenue road dedication into a vibrant community green space.
• Built the Dunsmuir Urban Collective Garden from the ground up including two large market beds with multiple rows, several garden boxes, a composting area and a communal shed. The overall layout continues to grow and evolve as the garden expands.
• Developed a collective farming model where food is grown together and shared based on volunteer hours, making fresh, local produce accessible to everyone who participates.
• Launched partnerships with local schools including École des Deux Rives, Windebank Elementary and Cherry Hill Elementary to support hands-on learning in gardening, biodiversity, sustainability and cultural food heritage.
• Created an educational garden program for students offering seasonal activities, workshops and opportunities to learn directly in the garden environment.
• Received key support through grants from the First West Foundation (Envision Financial), the Jane Goodall Foundation (Roots and Shoots Program) and the City of Mission for educational workshops.
• Started early conversations with the Canadian Black Farmers Society to introduce African heritage crops into the garden in future seasons.
• Built a strong volunteer base including parents, students, seniors, community members and new residents joining throughout the year.
• Hosted multiple workshops led by local experts including Brian Minter from Minter’s Gardens, Alan from the Binary Freedom Foundation, Amanda and Michelle with learning opportunities in soil care, planting, composting and food production.
• Began building a Native and Medicinal Plant Garden using Fraser Valley Indigenous plants developed in partnership with an Indigenous knowledge keeper.
• Shared surplus produce with the Mission Community Services Society Food Centre to support community food programs and neighbours in need.
What’s Next
While we’ve made great strides, we’re still laying the foundation. We are actively raising funds to cover the costs of:
• Insurance to keep the garden safe and sustainable
• Future water meter bills
Every donation, every volunteer hour, every shared idea brings us closer to making this dream a reality.
Why It Matters
This project is about more than growing food. It’s about creating a space where community, culture, sustainability, and belonging can flourish. It’s about proving that even a small, overlooked piece of land can become something that nourishes everyone it touches.
Support the DUC Garden
The DUC Garden is built by community, for community.
If you would like to help, there are many ways to get involved:
• Volunteer: Join us in building garden beds, planting, and creating a welcoming space for everyone.
• Donate: Help us raise the funds we need to cover insurance costs and install a future water meter.
• Spread the Word: Share our story with friends, neighbours, and local businesses who believe in growing food and connection together.
Every contribution, big or small, helps us move closer to making this dream a lasting reality.
Contact Pascale-Sara the President of the DNA at 604-240-1252
email us at dunsmuirneighbourhood@gmail.com
Thank you for being part of our growing community.
