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?
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.
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 is a well known map of areas of the city that are underserved by parks and recreation. It corresponds to historically low income neighbourhoods. The park board always prioritizes these neighborhoods for upgrades, while maintaining a fair balance across the city. Renewals of General Brock park and Slocan Park, and the new park at Main/E7th are examples of this in practice.
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?
Yes. The city needs more trees for health and climate resilience. The Greens support enhanced planting, pruning and stump removal across the city.
Recreation facilities and libraries need to install high quality air filtration and control for our fire stoked summers, to give residents a place of refuge. This is a very expensive undertaking and will take years to implement.
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?
Green Park Board commissioners advocated for a $1.4b investment in parks and recreation facilities. The Mayor responded with a plan to invest $400m. It was deeply disappointing. We continued our advocacy with staff and ended up approving a $739m plan backed by staff, council and park board. Current city debt is only $600m, we pay it down at -$200m a year. The city can afford to borrow the money for this investment and pay it off over time.
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 have very diverse user groups, many of whom need focused support to engage our facilities. Greens support spending and staffing decisions that promote the engagement of equity seeking groups with our park system.
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?
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.)
7. In recent years, the Park Board has taken steps towards reconciliation, decolo
The Greens fully support these priorities. The monthly meeting of the Stanley Park Intergovernmental Working Group is the primary point of contact with First Nations about park planning. We seek advice and insight from First Nations for all major park changes. For example, the 75,000 trees we planted in Stanley Park were selected based on First Nation recommendations.
8. What, if anything, do you think the Park Board should do to support/facilitate community activation and stewardship of park spaces and facilities?
Park activation is an essential service. These events weave our city together – all cultures, economic groups and tourists. Park Board has a wonderful team in our Arts, Reconciliation and Culture department. We need to continue funding and find ways to enhance and support this department.
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?
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.