Advocacy, education and outreach in support of Vancouver's public spaces

Our Work: 2026 Park Board Candidate Survey: Question 6

Question 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?

Leonard VANDERSTAR (202) – I hear your concern since there has been movement afoot to do so, hence one of the reasons why I stepped forward as a candidate. VIPP will be steadfast in ensuring that the Park Board is not abolished and it maintains its authority of jurisdiction over the City’s parks.

Sacia BURTON (215) – I have no plans (of any variety!) to abolish the Park Board. The only reform I would be interested in exploring is electoral reform, as it could ensure a more accurate representation and reflection of the electorates’ intention and wishes. Given the Park Board is elected on the same ballot as City Council, Mayor, and School Board, any conversations about electoral reform would need to be first jointly discussed with those levels of local government as well as the public.

Tom DIGBY (222) – Greens were honoured to lead the charge for preservation of the elected Park Board. Adriane Carr and Pete Fry were first to show up to defend its preservation.

For improved governance, we expect the new Mayor to meet regularly with Park Board commissioners (Ken Sim did not meet once with the elected Board in 4 years.)

Michael Robert CADITZ (226) – 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.

Niknaz ALEMI (231) – No secret plans here! I strongly support keeping an independent, democratically elected Park Board!

For me, the value of the Park Board is that Vancouver has an elected body specifically focused on our parks, recreation facilities and public green spaces. Commissioners are directly accountable to residents for those decisions, and I think that democratic accountability is worth protecting. At the same time, protecting the Park Board does not mean saying that everything about the current system is perfect. I would support reforms that make it more transparent, accountable and effective, with clearer responsibilities between the Park Board and City Council, better coordination on budgets and infrastructure, stronger oversight of major decisions, and more meaningful public participation.

My vision is an elected Park Board that is independent enough to advocate for Vancouver’s parks and public spaces, but collaborative enough to work effectively with the City, First Nations, Community Centre Associations, senior governments and local communities. I don’t think efficiency and democracy have to compete with each other. We should be able to improve how the Park Board works without removing an elected body that gives residents a direct voice in how their public spaces are governed.

Complete List of Questions

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?

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