1. It’s day one on the job… and to start your work with the Park Board, you are invited to make one change in one park – which park do you pick, and what do you do?
Prohibit further logging in Stanley Park and declare that only individual trees determined to be imminently dangerous using provincially certified methods can be removed.
2. In your opinion, how well is the delivery of parks and public spaces aligned with the type of growth and change taking place in Vancouver’s neighbourhoods?
There must be no attrition of parks and green spaces in the name of “growth.” We will rescind authorization for the BC Hydro substation at Nelson Park and formally request that the British Columbia Utilities Commission deny the permit. We will conduct a full review of the Burrard View Park food forest and fire pit with consideration for local neighbourhood needs.
3. Heavier rains, more intense heat, and wildfire smoke are all being described as part of a “new normal” tied to climate change. Should Vancouver’s parks and recreation facilities play a part in supporting climate resilience or climate adaptation? If yes, how?
We must protect the green canopy. We will establish the Green Canopy Office, a panel of experts from which City staff will be required to receive permission before removing trees.
4. The Park Board (and City) is under increasing pressure to find new ways to finance park upgrades, deliver new parks, and cover other capital and operational costs. How do you propose financing your priorities in the context of the broader City budgeting process?
Council should adequately fund parks and recreation from the tax base. “Think Big” commercialization will be halted. Our parks should not be commercialized. Citizens should not be bombarded with advertising or blocked by closures for private events when accessing their parks.
5. Vancouver is a city with a very diverse population with lots of different cultures calling this place home. Should the Park Board be doing more to respond to the needs of different cultural user groups? If yes, what sorts of changes to Park Board processes or practices would you envision?
We will institute bottom-up governance. We will convene monthly town halls to meaningfully engage with citizens and their concerns. In a democratic community, there is an ethical obligation to provide access to our public resources to all citizens.
6. We have to ask: are you planning – secretly, overtly, or otherwise – to abolish or reform the Park Board? If yes, what are you intending to do? In general, what’s your vision for Park Board governance?
Unequivocal “no.” We will institute bottom-up governance. We will convene monthly town halls to meaningfully engage with citizens and their concerns. Elected commissioners set policy for parks. Unelected City staff implement those policies. Staff will not be allowed not usurp the authority of commissioners.
7. In recent years, the Park Board has taken steps towards reconciliation, decolo
Yes, but we will give voice to hereditary leaders and traditional indigenous values. We will not allow any entity, including but not limited to MST Development Corporation, to develop, damage, or commercialize parks.
8. What, if anything, do you think the Park Board should do to support/facilitate community activation and stewardship of park spaces and facilities?
We will institute bottom-up governance. We will convene monthly town halls to meaningfully engage with citizens and their concerns.
9. We are living in a period of both increasing polarization and increasing social isolation. Should the Parks Board be doing more to respond to these issues? If yes, what do you propose?
We must make public spaces accessible for all income groups, otherwise those unable to afford ever-increasing user fess will be marginalized. We will rescind the recent parking fee increase at Spanish Banks, return to $1/hour.
Farmers markets are excellent venue for connection and community. We will simplify the permit process, and we will eliminate parking fees at farmers markets on Park Board jurisdictions, including Riley Park. Local farmers and public health will benefit by making farmers markets more accessible and affordable to all citizens.
10. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your platform?
We will order a review of the condition and safety of playgrounds and sports courts throughout the city.