Placemaking is about reimagining spaces in fun and exciting ways through art, gardens, gathering areas, or other programming. 
At the end of 2020, the City of Colwood put out the call for great ideas from our residents to bring new energy to places in Colwood. The idea is to bring neighbours together to get creative and transform spaces while fostering a renewed sense of community pride.
The City received four grant applications, each meeting the requirement of a matching contribution from the community through volunteer labour, donated services, donated materials and supplies, and/or other funds raised. Applications were accepted until mid-February and the City is pleased to announce that all four of the submitted Create Places Colwood Projects will receive funding.
Fit Happens Hop Skip and Jump to It
Cindy Andrew will sprinkle stenciled movement circuits throughout City parks, beginning with Meadow Park in Royal Bay. Research has shown that painting graphics on pavement in playgrounds and neighbourhoods can be a fun, effective and low-cost way to encourage play and increase physical activity levels in children (and adults too!).
Little Free Plant and Seed Stand
Josephine Neufeld will invite Colwood residents to share and access plants, seeds, and garden harvests during the planting season. The Little Free Plant and Seed Stand will bring the community together by encouraging neighbours to trade extra plants and seeds as the planting season progresses.
Pollinator and Indigenous Plant Garden
Barbara Sibbald submitted the Pollinator and Indigenous Plant Garden project on behalf of the Colwood Garden Society who maintains the existing community garden at City Hall. With assistance from local First Nations Elders, the Pollinator and Indigenous Plant Garden will feature roots, berries, flowers and shrubs that have been mainstays of First Nations health and healing. Varieties that thrive in the location with minimal water will be used. Interpretive signs with English and First Nations identifying names will also be added to the garden to allow visitors to learn about the plants, language and culture in a welcoming and enjoyable setting.
Emily Carr Interpretative Sign
Laura Davis will showcase the work of Emily Carr along the Painter Trail, where the renowned painter was inspired to create famous works such as ‘Above the gravel pit’ in 1937. The artist spent time painting in several Colwood neighborhoods around that time. The interpretive sign will be a wonderful reminder that Emily Carr and many other talented artists have drawn inspiration from Colwood’s beautiful seaside setting.
Create Places Colwood
Look for more information about the individual projects to be released soon. To learn more about the Create Places Colwood grant, please visit www.Colwood.ca/CreatePlaces
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Britney Stojke, Engagement Assistant
bstojke@colwood.ca
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