The Riverview Horticultural Centre Society

Preserving the historic səmiq̓ʷəʔelə / Riverview Lands and its unique tree arboretum for future generations through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

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Welcome to RHCS

The Riverview Horticultural Centre Society (RHCS) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the natural beauty of our historic gardens and green spaces.

Our Mission: To educate the community about the importance of biodiversity, heritage conservation, and environmental stewardship through guided tree tours and educational programs.

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NEXT TREE TOUR

APR

Sunday

Tree Tour - April 2026

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Serenity Gardens, by the Henry Esson Young (H.E.Y) Building

Please check our website and social media (Facebook and Instagram) for any last-minute changes, due to unforeseen circumstances. Come out and enjoy the sumiqwuelu/Riverview Lands. We will be meeting a...

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RHCS in Media

CBC News: Tree Tours Under Threat at Riverview

CBC News report from October 2023 on BC Housing's fee requirements that threatened our free tree walking tours. The coverage highlights our volunteers' dedication to preserving and sharing Riverview's historic tree collection with the community, and the importance of keeping these educational tours accessible to all.

The Battle to Preserve Public Free Tree Tours at Riverview

In this radio interview, RHCS 2023 - 2025 President Marilyne Anderson and Membership Director Mick Short discuss the organization's 30+ year history of offering free educational tree tours and the challenges posed by BC Housing's new fee requirements. They explain the historical significance of Riverview's arboretum, Canada's first true botanical garden established by provincial botanist John Davidson in 1911, and share concerns about additional barriers being placed on public access, including the closure of public washrooms and removal of volunteer-built infrastructure. The interview provides important context about why these tours matter and the society's commitment to continuing public education about this irreplaceable living museum.