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?
I would increase the accessibility and cleanliness of the bathrooms along Spanish Banks. There are a great many seniors that walk in that area (as do I) and we often comment about how the bathrooms there are a complete mess. Many seniors will not go out for a walk if there is no public bathroom or if the bathroom is not clean and has not been updated to accommodate accessibility issues.
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?
We have not kept up with the fact that we have an aging population. In fact, we often practice ageism in dealing with seniors in Vancouver. During my time as a Park Board Commissioner (2018-22) nothing was passed without examining how it would impact seniors and people with disabilities. We are not doing that anymore and are often putting a band aid on issues we should be correcting. Equity should always come before equality.
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 have to be aware of all these climate changes. The Park Board can and should work with experts in these fields to present the best way forward.
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?
The Vancouver Liberals have a plan to reinstate the finances that that been removed from the Park Board. We understand the importance of supporting this important part of what makes Vancouver a beautiful place to live.
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?
There must be an understanding that we humans are all different. Every one of us! I believe if we have a respect for this fact then we can move forward. I follow a minority religion that dictates many things I can and cannot do in my daily life. This means I have had to deal with some “hiccups” when out in public. At the Park Board, we need to never assume we have covered all the bases and always be open to act in a kind and welcoming way.
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?
I plan to fight to keep the Park Board! I was with the group of former Park Board Commissioners that came together to make sure the Park Board remained. I appreciate you asking this question and it’s good to have people answer. My reason for keeping the Park Board is simple. Good Park Board Commissioners ensure the public has a voice regarding the running of every aspect of what the Park Board oversees.
7. In recent years, the Park Board has taken steps towards reconciliation, decolo
I believe the Park Board staff is doing a good job, and I would support their continued work.
8. What, if anything, do you think the Park Board should do to support/facilitate community activation and stewardship of park spaces and facilities?
I would have to see a proposal on this. What ideas and options are out there?
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?
This is a huge issue with seniors and can often lead to devastating health issues. I believe we should be doing more, and it might be time for the Park Board to officially deal with this and other issues that impact seniors. But time is running out for many seniors. We can’t have a report that will take two years to put together. We must act fast. Anything else is disgraceful. They don’t have time for stall tactics.