Have your say on the Park Board’s proposed 2011 Operating Budget

The Parks Board has published the proposed changes for their 2011 Fees & Charges (with appendix) to help balance the city’s projected $20 million deficit. There is a general 4 per cent increase across the board to all fees and charges, which translates to increased admission and usage charges at Bloedel Conservatory, VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Burrard Marina, Parks Board operated golf courses, swimming pools, ice rinks, fitness centres, and racquet courts. There is also an increase in fees for use of sports fields, use of parks for events, picnics and photography, and a reduction of the age at which to start charging children (eg. at swimming pools and ice rinks) from six years to three years.

This will be the third year in a row that the Parks Board has increased fees and we think this is too much. Making parks and recreation universally accessible is a mandate in the Parks Board Strategic Plan and we need to uphold this. The Vancouver Public Space Network sees the negative impact the proposed changes can have on individuals and families all over the city and is drafting a letter to the Parks Board voicing our concern.

The public has three ways to express their concern as well.

1) Complete the online survey conducted by the Parks Board

2) Send a quick email to Meg Elliott (meg.elliott@vancouver.ca), the Acting Director of Corporate Services at the Parks Board:
“I am opposed to the proposed increase fees and charges because ____________”

3) Attend the public board meeting:
Monday, November 15th
7:00pm
Killarney Community Centre
6260 Killarney Street