Thank you to everyone who shared their stories, memories, and creative tributes about our koi to celebrate their return to the Garden! See the winning submissions below:

Week 3

Week 2

There once was a fish named Koi
He would greet his friends with ‘Ahoy’
He was rather quite fond
Of swimming in his pond
And lived a life of great joy.

– Roya Eshragh

Week 1

“Many years ago, my daughter and I lived nearby in Chinatown/Strathcona. I often took her here as a little girl to the Classical Garden. We ate our sandwich [in the park]; she marveled at the koi fish. I remember with such fondness, holding her little hand and exploring the beauty of this garden. I’ve since moved away [and] my daughter is now an adult. Touring this garden, I have tears of joy and fondness at the memories flooding back to me. Today, I can hear her sweet voice saying, ‘Look Mommy, fish!’ Such sweet memories flood back to me. Such peace and tranquility. My safe place.”

– Verlie McCauley