Welcome to mysbca.ca - Growing Community Connections Through Resident-Led Gardens and Events 🌱
Who We Are
We are a brand-new collective of community enthusiasts based in British Columbia, Canada. Our journey began in early 2025, united by a shared vision for vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods. We believe that the most meaningful connections happen when residents lead the way-whether they're tending a garden plot, organizing a street fair, or championing a greener urban future. 🎉
After noticing an increased interest in urban gardening, civic participation, and neighborhood renewal across BC, our team of volunteers set out to create a digital space where everyone-regardless of expertise-could take the next step. Our mission is simple: empower BC residents to shape their local communities through accessible events, practical resources, and hands-on gardening.
What sets us apart? We embrace a resident-first approach. Every project, from neighbourhood membership drives to our signature horticultural workshops and social sustainability initiatives, is led by locals, for locals. We're independent, open to all ages and backgrounds, and fully committed to making British Columbia's neighborhoods more connected, resilient, and lively.
What We Offer
Resident-Driven Learning and Events
- Blog Posts & Inspiration: Fresh gardening tips, DIY tutorials, and success stories straight from British Columbian gardens.
- Horticultural Workshops: Monthly, hands-on workshops near major BC cities. Topics include composting, water-wise gardening, pollinator support, and more.
- Product Catalog: Curated tools, seeds, and eco-friendly gear for urban gardeners and volunteers at all skill levels.
- Community Event Calendar: Up-to-date roundups of Somerset Bridlewood events, board meetings, orientations, and cultural festivals.
- Plot Rental Registration: Learn how to secure your own space in projects like the Somerset Bridlewood Community Garden.
- Volunteer Recruitment: Regular calls for helpers in planting, event hosting, and neighbourhood research.
- Newsletter Advertising: Local organizations and small businesses can spread the word about relevant services and events.
Member Support & Guidance
- Community Survey: Participate in shaping future programming-tell us what matters to you in regular feedback cycles.
- Garden Orientation: New plot holders get step-by-step guidance on orientation days, meeting mentors and fellow gardeners.
- Online Resources: Download gardening guides, neighbourhood bylaws, and event-planning checklists.
- Discussion Board: Join our community board meetings virtually, or discuss ideas with neighbours online.
- Contact & Support: Reach our team anytime for solutions, suggestions, or just to share your latest garden photo.
Who It's For
You want to meet your neighbours, grow your own fresh veggies, or get involved-but you're not sure where to start. Maybe you're new to Canada or simply new to gardening. Perhaps you're looking for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule or want to have a say in upcoming Somerset Bridlewood events. 👍
mysbca.ca is for simple users who want practical steps, clear info, and a welcoming community. No jargon, no experience required-just bring your curiosity and an open mind. Our resources and events are designed with accessibility in mind and available mostly in English, but we're working to expand language support with volunteer translators.
Where We Operate
Our primary focus is British Columbia's dynamic communities, from city neighborhoods in Vancouver and Victoria to growing regions like Surrey, Kelowna, and Richmond. Many of our services, like the community garden plot rental registration and workshops, are tailored for the Somerset Bridlewood area and its surroundings.
Online features, such as community board meetings and volunteer recruitment, serve all BC residents. Written material is primarily in English (as of 2025), with in-person translation available by volunteer request.
Why We Matter
We believe that social sustainability isn't just a buzzword-it's a lived experience in every BC neighborhood. By focusing on resident-led initiatives, we foster increased civic participation, improved mental health, and long-lasting social ties.
Our independent team of BC-based horticulturalists, event organizers, and digital communicators bring decades of combined experience in gardening, nonprofit management, and neighborhood engagement. We regularly consult with local partners-from food banks to city councils-to ensure our community gardens and events meet real needs.
Our recent garden projects have been spotlighted in the Vancouver Sun (2025), and several team members hold certificates from the BC Master Gardener Association and Community Engagement Canada.
If you want trustworthy, locally-relevant advice on urban gardening or you're searching for a fun way to meet new people, we're here to help.
Growing Community Connections in British Columbia - Key Statistics (as of 2025)
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Registered community gardens in BC | 546 | BC Ministry of Agriculture, 2025 |
| Average BC household food insecurity rate | 16.2% | Statistics Canada, 2024-2025 |
| Volunteer rate among BC adults | 44% | Volunteer BC, 2025 |
| Number of Somerset Bridlewood events annually | 23 | mysbca.ca records, 2025 |
| New garden plots created via resident initiatives | 129 (past year) | BC Urban Gardening Society, 2025 |
| Horticultural workshops held in BC (2024-25) | 210+ | Community Gardens Canada, 2025 |
Why Trust Us?
- Certifications: Multiple team members are certified via BC Master Gardener Association and Community Engagement Canada.
- Media Mentions: Our expansion covered in the Vancouver Sun (Feb 2025).
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local councils, gardening societies, and Volunteer BC.
- Support & Contact: Direct access to our team via email and an actively monitored support form. Feedback is welcome and responded to within 48 hours.
- Data Security: Your information is never shared or sold. We strictly follow all Canadian privacy laws.
What's New in 2025?
This year, we've launched streamlined plot rental registration, expanded newsletter advertising partnerships, and rolled out a volunteer recruitment portal that matches skills and interests with local events. Our recent community survey showed a 31% increase in residents interested in gardening orientation.
We're excited to announce a new series of in-person and online horticultural workshops, plus community board meetings open to all for the first time.
Get Connected - Join, Volunteer, or Grow With Us
Ready to make a difference? We welcome everyone-from lifelong residents to first-time gardeners. Explore our event calendar, sign up for a newsletter, or join a board meeting. There's a place for everyone at mysbca.ca. 🌿