Moving Toward A More Inclusive Experience Ahead
Exciting Progress
The accessibility upgrade project broke ground in October 2026. Projected completion is set for February 2027. This will include an accessible ramp that leads from street level to the front entrance and a restructured main floor, including a fully accessible bathroom, widened kitchen pathway, and a new artist’s suite.
This process presented many delays and challenges expected with any renovation. The largest challenge was the position of trees in the front yard. After all possible options were exhausted, it was determined that the rhododendron and cedar trees needed to be removed. The rhododendron directly impeded safety codes allowing egress for emergency services in relation to the position of the ramp. The cedar tree would also have been drastically impacted by the ramp, causing a significantly lower quality of life for the tree.
Upon removal of the tree, it was revealed that the tree was also in poor health. However, the cedar tree was repurposed. Outreach was made to various artists and carvers to receive the wood, including the Musqueam nation. Unfortunately, the Musqueam nation was not able to use the wood; however, non-profit organizations have repurposed the wood. For example, wood chips produced from the tree were used to create a garden bed at a housing project benefiting at-risk seniors.
There are plans to plant new trees and update both front and back gardens. Many of the plants from the front yard have been replanted, and protected. In particular, the Japanese Maple Tree dedicated to dear friend, Danny Peart, is in good health, and in the backyard for the time being. The remnants of the unhealthy cedar tree have been used to support a garden scape at a non-profit seniors home supporting vulnerable people. Offers were also made to Musqueam Nation, local artists, and other non-profits, and some of them came and gathered trimmings for their projects as well.
Looking ahead
It is still part of the vision to expand the accessibility adaptations to the basement, and create an eventual laneway house. But, the immediate goal in 2027-2028 is to achieve core operating funding to create a sustainable organization.
Moving into 2027, we will continue our partnerships with Vancouver Poetry House, PuSh International Theatre Festival, and others. We continue prioritizing artists that speak to systems of power, survivorship, and consent. I am dedicated to meeting our commitments and accountability to the Japanese Canadian Community, and greater community in response to the Gordon Goichi Nakayama history of harm.
Acknowledgements
Special recognition and thanks needs to be offered to M3 Development, Merrick Architecture, City of Vancouver, and Quinton Construction who have done so much to help make the accessibility upgrades possible.
Also, I want to send a deep thanks to the board of directors at Historic Joy Kogawa House Society, who have been so supportive and engaged. Actively working to keep the society engaged in the literary landscape, while helping to source funding possibilities, and providing leadership during critical and transformative times at the House.
Sincerely,
Johnny Trinh, Executive Director
Historic Joy Kogawa House Society
executivedirector@kogawahouse.com
Historic Joy Kogawa House stands on the unceded territory of the Musqueam people. It also bears a painful history of child abuse with lasting impact on survivors and families. We acknowledge these truths to support healing and reconciliation.