The fonds primarily consists of textual records, including correspondence, reports, minutes, and published materials which together document Walter Hardwick's political and academic careers. They are arranged in series and sub-series based largely on his areas of activity and interest. The series are Urban Planning, Urban Planning Publications, Vancouver City Council, Open Learning Agency / Knowledge Network, Ministry of Education, Vancouver Urban Futures Project, Sumas Waste Processing Plant Environmental Review, Personal Papers, Essays, Reports and Reprints, and Subject Files. Photographs of architects' models for False Creek and Granville Island are also included. The fonds also includes videotapes consisting mainly of interview footage.

The collection consists of materials acquired by Special Collections and the University Archives and maintained for purposes of historical research. It includes reports, correspondence, committee minutes, course materials, architectural and other drawings, newspaper and magazine clippings, press releases, posters, brochures, and other published materials. The materials are arranged alphabetically by subject or name (e.g. organisations, University departments, events, buildings/places, and individuals).