On Tuesday March 8 2005 Mayor Frank Leonard and Saanich council announced the receipt of a Free Crown Grant of 3.216 hectares of agricultural land surrounding Swan Creek from the province of B.C. administered by Land and Water B.C. a Crown corporation. The process began with a report by councillors Jackie Ngai and Carol Pickup in 2002 after they lost the Gordon Head gardens to developers. MLA Sheila Orr was insturmental  in helping with the process of securing the land. Ian Stenning president of CCAA said the new status of the property was an important step for the Gardeners. Saanich had been leasing the land from the province since 1987. The Gardens have been running since 1972. The plots were 1,000 sq ft  and the rental fee was $35.00 per plot.