Our Work: 2026 Park Board Candidate Survey: Question 1

Question 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?

Leonard VANDERSTAR (202) – Stop the tree extraction/felling within Stanley Park with the exception of trees determined to be of imminent risk to life or assets using provincially certified danger tree assessment methods. Restore and promote forest canopy with tree species composition that reflect the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone.

Sacia BURTON (215) – I am glad that the work of Park Board Commissioners is (often) more comprehensive than tackling issues one park at a time! That said, I would propose a 24/7 operating system for the fifteen public washrooms in Stanley Park as a pilot for expanding 24/7 service to public washrooms across all city parks. People across the city deserve the dignity of reliably available public washrooms.

Tom DIGBY (222) – The first order of business when the Park Board returns in November is whether to recommend a new 50 m swimming pool at Hastings community centre or at Kensington community center. Both sites are top priorities for renewal, and we need to develop a consensus on which would be best for a swimming facility.

While the green party is primarily focussed on enhancing the urban ecosystem, we are long time leaders at the Park Board and we also know that facilities like pools, ice rinks and community centres are incredibly important to the public. We are happy to lead the discussion on the best infrastructure investment for the greatest public benefit.

Michael Robert CADITZ (226) – Prohibit further logging in Stanley Park and declare that only individual trees determined to be imminently dangerous using provincially certified methods can be removed.

Niknaz ALEMI (231) – We already have years of research, public engagement and adopted strategies; my job as commissioner is to use them, update them where necessary, and actually implement them. I’d start with VanPlay’s Equity Initiative Zones, which were created to identify where Vancouver has the greatest gaps in access to parks, recreation and nature. I would choose a park in one of those underserved areas, such as southeast Vancouver, and prioritize increasing tree canopy and creating more accessible, welcoming green space. To me, day one should be about using the research and community input we already have and directing resources where they are needed most.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

7. In recent years, the Park Board has taken steps towards reconciliation, decolonization, and co-management with MST First Nations. Would you continue this work? If yes, how?

8. What, if anything, do you think the Park Board should do to support/facilitate community activation and stewardship of park spaces and facilities?

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?

10. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your platform?

More Information

• City of Vancouver 2026 Municipal Election Webpage