"The Healing Garden” opened in June 2002 in order to provide patients and their visitors with an environment of beauty, relaxation and to provide a space for distraction from the stress of hospitalization.

It took three years of planning by a committee of staff and hospital volunteers. Landscape architecture students at the University of British Columbia each submitted a design under the direction of architect Elizabeth Watts. Avril Woodend’s design was chosen and Cornelia Oberlander, one of Canada’s foremost landscape architects participated in refining the design.

Thanks to the financial support of some very special donors: New Westminster Firefighters; The Old Terminal Pub; Kitchen Craft Designer Kitchen Tour; Marg Barrett and Bob Wingfield “The Healing Garden” was built.

The opening ceremony attracted many visitors, including the media. A ceremonial blessing (shim sham) was also conducted by Chief Dan George. Wheelchair accessible, “The Healing Garden” includes patio furniture, a variety of flowers, climbing plants, a fountain, shrubs and trees in aluminum containers. One thousand square feet in area, it is easily entered via the patients’ and visitors’ lounge.

"The Healing Garden” is maintained by community volunteers, most notably Elisabeth Graf of Garden Fever, Helen Kline, and BPTU staff. Music has now been added to enhance relaxation.

A brief anonymous survey was conducted over a four-week period in the fall of 2003. Responses from patients and visitors were collated. A poster was created to provide patients, visitors and staff with information about “The Healing Garden”. Photographs of patients utilizing “The Healing Garden” and results of the survey were incorporated into the poster. The poster is displayed periodically in the BPTU lounge. The survey indicated that a majority of patients and visitors believed “The Healing Garden” was beneficial to them. Over 90% of patients and visitors found that “The Healing Garden” helped them relax and that 82% of patients were encouraged to leave their room.

An article on “The Healing Garden” was featured in Canadian Gardening magazine in spring 2006. “The Healing Garden” is dedicated to all those who visit. May it soothe and restore your body, soul and spirit.