Photo by Ray Anderson
The commons is the sum of all that we inherit together and
must pass on, undiminished, to our heirs.
Peter Barnes,
author
Our Connections to the Community
The Gabriola Commons strives to benefit our community and exists because of the efforts of many community members. On this page, you will find a list of (1) annual community events on the Commons, (2) community groups using the Commons, (3) collaborations/partnerships with the Commons, (4) businesses supporting the Commons, and (5) musicians who have donated their time and talents for the Commons.
(If you notice any errors or omissions, please let us know by emailing Commons_Info[at]shaw.ca)
1. Annual Community Events on the Commons
The following events occur regularly at the approximate times listed. Specific dates will be advertised on this website, by email distribution and in the local media.
- (Easter weekend) Easter Egg Hunt - sponsored by the Gabriola Rod, Gun & Conservation Club
- (May) Commons Spring Fair
- (about June 21) Summer Solstice
- (end of June) The Commons & PHC on the Home and Garden Tour
- (August) Commons Community Quilt Creation
- (September) Commons Fall Fair
- (early December) Commons Christmas Craft Fair
- (about Dec 21) Winter Solstice
- (equinoxes and solstices) CommonSounds - seasonal soundwalks by Lulu Performing Arts
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2. Community Groups/Organizations using the Commons
There are many community groups and organizations that use the facilities at the Commons on a regular basis or occasionally as needed.
- People for a Healthy Community (PHC) is a permanent occupant located on the lower level of the main house and managing their own food gardens on the Commons. They offer very important community services such as a food bank, meals and social services. Watch for the "Fill This Truck" food drive in the spring and firewood drive in the fall at Folklife Village.
- Allotment plots on the Commons property are provided to community members to grow their own food. There are almost 70 plots of 400 sq. ft. each used by community members. In addition, there are also seniors, children and PHC gardens.
- Gabriola Recreation Society administers a variety of recreation services and programs through an agreement with the Regional District of Nanaimo. Some of the activities at the Commons includes Kinderdance and Seniors Fitness. Programs and locations vary, check their website.
- Gabriola Mac Users Group (GabMUG)
- Gabriola Theatre Festival
- Poetry Gabriola Society
- Hand Works Analysis
- Gabriola Brownies
- 4-H Club
- Maalaa's Yoga
- Yoga with Jackie
- Buzzing Bees
- Mara's Dance
- Tai Chi
- Osteofitness
- Itchy Fish Company, children's drama group
- Gabriola Climate Action Network (GabCAN)
- Gabriola Ecumenical Society
- Soundshapers
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3. Community Collaborations/Partnerships
The Gabriola Commons works together with a number of organizations whose interests overlap with our guiding principles of ecological sustainability, social sustainability and community service.
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4. Businesses & Organizations Supporting the Commons
Gabriola businesses, clubs and artists are important for our island. A healthy and sustainable community requires employment opportunities, community service and local people to spend their money locally. Please support our community by supporting local businesses, artists and organizations. The best internet list of local businesses, clubs, organizations, artists and much more is Bob Derksen's Gabriola Web Directory.
The following businesses and clubs, listed in alphabetical order, have provided valuable support to the Gabriola Commons. Thank you!
Trades & Services Fair Donors
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5. Musicians Supporting the Commons
We all know that many Gabriola musicians are very generous in providing their talents for many different fundraising activities. We thank all of the following musicians for their contribution to the success of the Commons.
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