YWCA Rooftop Garden
High above the busy streets of Downtown Vancouver, the YWCA Rooftop Garden is a thriving urban growing space that helps nourish our community. Located on the rooftop of the YWCA Program Centre, the garden produces fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and Indigenous plants that support YWCA food programs.
From Rooftop to Table
Each year, the garden produces approximately 1,500 pounds of fresh produce, including berries, leafy greens, vegetables and kiwifruit. The harvest is used to help prepare healthy meals and snacks for families and children at YWCA Crabtree Corner, our community resource centre in the Downtown Eastside.
Maintained with the support of dedicated volunteers and donors and under the leadership of the YWCA Garden Coordinator, a Master Gardener, the garden demonstrates how even a small urban space can have a meaningful impact on food security, well-being and community.
The YWCA Rooftop Garden also serves as a central hub for gardening knowledge, resources and community connection across YWCA BC. Staff and volunteers support community gardens at 12 YWCA BC housing communities, helping families grow food, build skills and strengthen their connection to the land.
As food insecurity continues to rise, community gardens play an increasingly important role in helping families access fresh, nutritious food while building connections and practical skills.
Families can access gardening information, resources, volunteer support and hands-on learning opportunities. By sharing knowledge and fostering connections, the garden helps these community growing spaces remain productive, welcoming and sustainable for the women and children who call them home.
Together, these gardens help improve food security while creating opportunities for families to connect with nature, their neighbours and one another.
The Rooftop Garden is more than a source of fresh food. It is a place for learning, connection and stewardship. Indigenous plants such as sweetgrass, sage, salal and yarrow are grown for teaching, cultural practices and ceremony, helping foster meaningful connections to culture and community.
Help grow food, connection and wellness in our community
Donations help fund soil, tools, plants and other essential supplies needed to keep the garden growing and productive. Your support helps ensure fresh, nutritious food continues to reach those who need it most.
YWCA Rooftop Garden
Summer Learning Series
Over the summer months, join us for the YWCA Rooftop Garden Summer Learning Series, a free lunchtime workshop series running Mondays from May through October. Led by our Rooftop Garden Coordinator, each session explores seasonal urban gardening skills while creating opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved in the YWCA Rooftop Garden.
Short, practical lessons paired with hands-on garden activities. These sessions are open to all YWCA staff, volunteers, Health and Fitness Members, program participants and supporters of the YWCA. They are designed for all levels of interest and experience.
Interested in learning more about the Rooftop Garden or arranging a tour?
We'd love to hear from you. Contact us at rooftopgarden@ywcabc.org to learn more about this unique green space in the heart of the city.