About Riverview Horticultural Centre Society
In December 1992, the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society was founded in response to development threats to the historically significant Riverview Hospital site. A group of concerned citizens united with a bold vision: to protect this extraordinary landscape and create a community centre for horticultural, educational, and therapeutic activities.
Mission & Vision
To preserve and protect the Lands and Trees of the Riverview Hospital Site as a community-oriented, financially viable centre for horticultural, educational, and therapeutic activities.
Actions
Since our inception, we have focused on raising public awareness through:
- Free Guided Tree Walks
- TreeFest Celebrations
- Advocacy Efforts
- Conservation Work
Our Purpose
By 1992, the future of the Riverview lands was uncertain. Development studies were underway and threatened this unique horticultural and heritage resource. The Society was established to:
- Halt inappropriate development.
- Raise public awareness about the site's botanical and heritage value.
- Advocate for permanent protection.
- Preserve the landscape’s therapeutic and educational functions.
Get Involved
Ready to make a difference? Join our community of tree advocates and help preserve our natural heritage. Every contribution counts!
Our Achievements
Educational Resources: We published "The Riverview Lands" book and produced "The Four Seasons of Riverview" video to educate the public and express the site's unique magic.
Tours & Accessibility: Our guided tree tours launched in 1992 with Bill Browne and CBC's David Tarrant. Since then, we have welcomed hundreds of visitors—from local students to international groups from Japan. We also developed a kiosk and brochures for self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore 65 major trees at their own pace.
Tours & Accessibility: Launched guided tree tours in 1992 (debuting with CBC’s David Tarrant) and installed an on-site kiosk for year-round self-guided tours.
Advocacy & Protection: Successfully pushed for a formal government inventory that identified and tagged over 1,800 significant trees.
Community Alliances: Partnered with the B.C. Schizophrenia Society and Burke Mountain Naturalists, gathering a 22,000-signature petition to demand permanent preservation.
Public Outreach: Maintained a strong media presence and hosted displays at major events like the Van Dusen Garden Show.
Memoriam
Remembering Riverview Horticultural Centre Society Directors and Friends
Donna Crosby
May 9, 1942 – December 24, 2016(74 years)
In Loving Memory of our Friend & Vice President
The Riverview Horticultural Centre Society is saddened at the passing of our friend Donna Crosby on December 24.
Donna was a passionate volunteer in our ongoing fight for the Riverview trees. A sincere & wonderfully dedicated volunteer. She will be greatly missed.
Sue Haberger
May 9, 1942 – December 24, 2013(71 years)
