Nanaimo Foodshare Society is one of the impactful organizations Craig Evans championed. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

Community champion

City of Nanaimo names garden after beloved community advocate

Oct 21, 2025 | 2:54 PM

NANAIMO — A food garden in Nanaimo’s Harewood neighbourhood is now named after a man who dedicated his life to food security and community service.

The food-growing garden area of the recently named Five Acre Farm Community Park at 933 Park Ave. is now known as Craig Evans Community Garden, announced the City of Nanaimo on Tuesday, Oct, 21.

Craig Evans, a Patron of the City Award recipient, passed away on March 6, 2023, at the age of 67 following a terminal illness.

Craig Evans passed away after he was inflicted with cancer. He served on multiple Nanaimo boards and committees focused on environmental protection and equitable food access (submitted photo)

A significant force behind organic food sustainability and community building in Nanaimo for over 30 years, Evans founded multiple valued organizations, including Nanaimo Foodshare Society in 1997.

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“Craig’s work has helped shape Nanaimo’s approach to community food systems, ensuring that healthy, locally grown food is available to all residents, regardless of income or circumstance. His leadership has inspired countless individuals and organizations to take action in support of a more sustainable and inclusive future,” a City release stated.

Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Good Citizenship by the B.C. government in January 2024.

Evans awarded with a Patron of the City award from Mayor Leonard Krog (City of Nanaimo)

The City endorsed a concept plan in January for Five Acre Farm Community Park, which may involve a future public trail and boardwalk system, educational signage and seating, a nature play area and gathering spaces.

Forming a concept plan for the green space followed a community outreach process.

The City purchased the five-acre property in 2019 for $1.375 million, land which is used for the widely subscribed Good Food Box Program.

Five Acre Farm Community Park is flourishing, thanks in large part to the advocacy work of Craig Evans. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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