A Garden Grows on Simpson Street—and So Does Community
On a bright Tuesday afternoon, the corner of 433 and 435 Simpson Street came alive with the sounds of sizzling BBQ, laughter, and the hum of conversation. The garden space, nestled between two modest buildings, transformed into a hub of warmth, connection, and celebration—proof that community is thriving in the heart of the city.
It wasn’t just the smell of smoked meats or the chocolate cupcakes topped with edible flowers that brought people out. It was something deeper—a shared sense of place and pride, something that’s been quietly growing alongside the peas, radishes, and strawberries in the garden beds.
Willow Springs Creative Centre and NorWest Community Health Centres co-hosted the event, inviting anyone and everyone to join in a free community BBQ. And they came. By the time the first burgers hit the grill, a line of over 20 people stretched toward the sidewalk—neighbours, families, elders, youth—all drawn in by the promise of good food and good company.
For Judi Vinni, coordinator at Willow Springs, this space is about much more than gardening. “The garden’s starting to really explode,” she said, pointing to the bright green leaves and ripening vegetables. “We want people to know they can come by anytime—help us garden if they want, or just come and take the food if they need it.”
But the day wasn’t just about food. Under a nearby tent, local artist Julia Tribe guided community members through a hands-on puppet-making workshop. Children giggled as they stitched and glued googly eyes and yarn hair onto tiny finger puppets. It was the joyful launch of a new two-year art initiative: Exploring Our Diversity Through Puppetry. From now through next summer, the project will continue to bring people together to create everything from small finger puppets to giant parade puppets—each one telling a piece of someone’s story.
Behind the scenes, NorWest provided the tents, beverages, and year-round support for the garden—a steady presence that, along with Willow Springs’ creative leadership, has helped turn this once-empty lot into a lively, welcoming space.
What made the day truly special was the mix of moments—kids running through the grass, strangers chatting over hot dogs, someone handing a bag of freshly picked peas to an elder who smiled in surprise. These are the kinds of gatherings that make a neighbourhood feel like home.
If you missed the BBQ, don’t worry—the garden is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and all are welcome. Whether you come to dig in the dirt, share a story, or just pick a few fresh strawberries, there’s always room for you in the garden on Simpson Street.
