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

Our Work: 2026 Park Board Candidate Survey: Question 9

Question 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?

Leonard VANDERSTAR (202) – Ensuring affordable access to all will assist in addressing this issue, along with supporting multi-cultural events. This is what makes Vancouver a special city and we need to do more to ensure the continuance of cultural interactions; our parks and associated facilities are excellent locations for such activities/events.

Sacia BURTON (215) – Vancouver’s community centers and public spaces are prime spaces to combat social isolation at every age. Whether someone is using a gym with neighbours, attending a workshop, or sharing a community meal, every interaction builds trust and a sense of safety within the community. These neutral moments of connection offer a reminder that we have much more in common with our neighbours than we may sometimes think.

The best thing Park Board can do to tackle social isolation is to ensure that all facilities are reliably open and in appropriate operating conditions for years to come. With renewal and restoration projects on the horizon, it is worth taking the time to connect community center users with services at other facilities.

Tom DIGBY (222) – Parks and rec centres are vital for community connections. A good example of investment is the new senior’s centre we opened at Sunset Community Centre. The facility is now continually activated and a wonderful venue to challenge the epidemic of loneliness impact our community.

Michael Robert CADITZ (226) – 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.

Niknaz ALEMI (231) – Yes. Parks and community centres are some of the few places where people from different ages, cultures and backgrounds can simply share space without having to spend money. I would support more community led events, accessible programming and welcoming gathering spaces that give people opportunities to meet, participate and feel part of their neighbourhood. I don’t think the Park Board can solve polarization or social isolation, but it can help create the conditions for stronger, more connected communities.

 

 

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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