With a thriving community garden already taking root, Margaret Symon is continuing to cultivate sustainability, wellness, and connection at her station by expanding the project even further.
Margaret is a Paramedic at BC Emergency Health Services Station 119 in Lake Cowichan. In addition to her clinical role, she serves as the Infection Prevention and Control Champion and Co-Chair of the Cowichan District Occupational Safety and Health Committee. Across all of her roles, Margaret brings a sustainability and wellness lens to everything she does.
Inspired by the garden’s success, Margaret applied for funding to expand the space and install stronger fencing. Margaret received funding through the sustainability stream of PHSA’s Health Promotion Initiative Fund (HPIF), with financial support provided by the Green+Leaders program. Each year, the Energy and Environmental Sustainability (EES) team partners with HPIF to support Green+Leader projects that advance energy and environmental sustainability. With this funding, Margaret and her team expanded their small garden at their station. As she reflects, “It was a huge success! Our crew members took an active interest in the construction and maintenance of the garden.” Her vision was to strengthen teamwork through shared garden stewardship, reduce waste by improving composting practices, and promote staff well-being by creating a space for mindfulness and connection – all in support of the Ministry of Health’s Climate Change and Sustainability Plan.
Expanding the garden has delivered benefits far beyond fresh produce. The project has helped reduce stress, foster teamwork, and improve nutrition by growing fruits and vegetables to share among staff and donate to the local food bank. The new fencing has also protected the garden from wildlife, allowing staff to enjoy the harvest more consistently.
Since the expansion, Margaret has been encouraged by positive feedback from both staff and community members and has noticed improved composting habits across the station. For her, however, the greatest impact has been the sense of connection the garden continues to cultivate.
One of the most rewarding outcomes has been the relationships the project has fostered beyond the station, including sharing earthworms from the compost with local residents to help support their own gardens. Margaret hopes the garden will continue to serve as a place where sustainability, wellness, and community grow together, strengthening connections among staff while cultivating a greener future for the broader community.
