City of Powell River crews are completing work on a water service to Townsite’s Triangle Garden which volunteer caretakers hope will make it all the more easier to keep the flowers in bloom.
The historic wedge-shaped garden runs along Marine Avenue in front of where the Powell River Regional District (PRRD) office used to be. Originally established in the 1930s by Powell River Company, it was used as a layover plot for shrubs and trees that lined the streets in front of the mill managers’ homes. By the 1960s the garden was lost to the snaking overgrowth of thorny blackberry vines. For almost the last two decades green-thumb Andy Davis and other members of Townsite Heritage Society have volunteered their time and energy to reclaim the garden and enhance the neighbourhood.
The biggest barrier to beautification has been access to water.
Volunteers have faced an uphill battle pulling hoses and setting sprinklers to ensure the variety of flora which resides in the gardens is well watered during Powell River’s dry hot summers.
Five original taps installed at the north end continue to be the only supply of water to the gardens, with none at the south end. Davis and volunteers have relied on the goodwill of the garden’s neighbours to allow access to their taps. But soon this will be a thing of the past.
Recently, crews from the city’s waterworks department began routing a water main from Birch Street along the lane past the old PRRD offices and under the footpath to the top of the garden.
Peter Sansburn, coordinator of the society, said the recent city work is a step in the right direction. “It’s not the whole irrigation system,” he said, “but at least it gets the water in from the back alley.”
“There’ll be more than enough water now,” said Bill Reid, director of parks, recreation and culture. “It’s a whole brand new two-inch main that we’re bringing in there.”
The old three-quarter-inch service probably wouldn’t provide enough water for an irrigation system, he said.
Reid said that the project has been delayed while the city obtained access across private property. “They’re hoping to get that resolved and get it all hooked up fairly soon,” he said.
Davis and the society have been working to raise money to pay for the irrigation system which may cost as much as $30,000. Readers wishing to donate to the system can contact the society at 604.483.3901 or by email [email protected].
