Fernwood, Greater Victoria

These social enterprises continue to be operated by Fernwood NRG with all proceeds re-invested into neighbourhood programs and services (including events like FernFest & Telephone Pole Painting).

The Fernwood Community Association facilitates land use discussions (between developers, residents, and the city), oversees emergency preparedness and safety issues, operates the two neighbourhood allotment gardens, and provides meeting space in Little Fernwood Hall for various community gatherings including Cafe Sympatico and recovery support groups.

[2] The 'Fernwood Murder' of crows roosts on Walnut Street before nightfall during the summer and is noted on the Fernwood Community Map.

[3] The Fernwood area was part of the territory originally inhabited by the Songhees prior to the establishment of Fort Victoria.

[5] Early European settlers in the area included John Work, born in Donegal, Ireland who developed the Hillside Farm on the northwest edge of today's Fernwood,[6] and Benjamin Pearse.

[8] Historically, a spring in Fernwood supplied Victoria with its main source of water, hence the earlier name of the neighbourhood, Springridge.

[9] In 1875 Victoria began piping water from Elk Lake, and in 1885, the site of the original springs became the location of the Empire Brewery.

[12] The problem was partly solved by the construction of the present Victoria High School in 1912 on some of the lands that had been used as the sand and gravel pit.