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 choose New Brighton Park in Hastings-Sunrise and add more accessible, shaded seating near the waterfront.
As a Hastings-Sunrise resident, I value New Brighton as a place where neighbours can walk, swim, play, picnic and enjoy the waterfront. I want people of all ages and abilities to feel comfortable spending time there.
More shade and accessible places to rest would especially benefit seniors, people with disabilities and families with young children.
It’s a small, practical change that would make a much-loved neighbourhood park more welcoming and accessible.
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?
I don’t think parks and recreation are keeping up consistently with neighbourhood growth. As more people move into a neighbourhood, they need parks, community centres and recreation programs close to home.
As a teacher and a member of Vancouver’s Children, Youth and Families Advisory Committee, I care about what this means for children and families.
I support TEAM’s commitment to adding park space and improving recreation facilities as the city grows. I would look at program waiting lists, fees and how easily people can reach a park or community centre. Those measures would help us direct funding where it is needed most.
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. Parks and community centres should help people stay safe during extreme heat, heavy rain and wildfire smoke.
I support TEAM’s plans to protect mature trees, plant more trees and improve infrastructure to cope with changing weather.
I would prioritize shade around playgrounds and seating areas, gardens and drainage that absorb rainfall, and suitable community centres where people can find cooling and cleaner indoor air. We also need staff and funding to keep these services running, especially in neighbourhoods where residents have fewer options for relief.
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?
Parks and recreation are essential services. We need to plan and pay for them that way.
I support TEAM’s commitment to invest $739 million in parks and recreation over four years, including $496 million for recreation facilities, with annual budget reviews. I would prioritize urgent repairs, regular maintenance and improvements that make facilities easier for everyone to use.
I would work with Council on a clear plan showing how projects will be paid for, including the ongoing costs of staff and maintenance. TEAM also promises to keep property-tax increases at or below inflation, so we must be honest about priorities and trade-offs. We cannot assume that finding savings will cover every cost.
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?
Yes. The Park Board should listen to different communities and make it easier for people to take part.
As a teacher, I know the importance of listening to families and recognizing that the same approach does not work for everyone. I would bring that approach to the Park Board.
I would work with community groups to understand what residents need, provide clear information in relevant languages, and review whether registration, schedules or permits create unnecessary barriers.
We should also reach out to people who are not using our programs. Understanding why they are missing out can help us make parks and recreation more welcoming.
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?
No, I do not support abolishing the Park Board. I support TEAM’s commitment to keeping an independent, elected Board.
Vancouver residents should be able to elect people whose main job is to care for parks and recreation. The Board needs the funding, staff and authority to do that job properly.
I also want it to work better. That means clear budgets, meetings people can take part in, and regular updates on what has been promised and delivered.
My approach would be to listen, explain my decisions and follow through. I would work respectfully with Council, First Nations, community centre associations and residents.
7. In recent years, the Park Board has taken steps towards reconciliation, decolo
Yes. I would continue this work with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Being an Indigenous Lead Teacher reminds me of the importance of listening, learning and building trust. I do not speak for the Nations, and I would not arrive assuming I know their priorities.
Reconciliation needs lasting relationships and action. Decolonization includes looking at whose voices and knowledge guide our decisions. I support working with the Nations on co-management—sharing responsibility for caring for parks through arrangements developed together.
This could include caring for natural areas, sharing histories and protecting culturally important places, with clear responsibilities and funding to support the 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?
The Park Board should make it easier for people to help care for their parks and organize community activities.
Through coaching and supporting school activities, I value the time and energy people give to their communities. I would support simpler permits, a staff member residents can contact, and practical help for community gardens, cleanups and neighbourhood events.
I also support TEAM’s commitment to working with community centre associations.
Volunteers need support, and their efforts should add to properly funded public services. We should make room for people to contribute in different ways, whether they have a few hours occasionally or can take on a regular role.
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?
Yes. Parks and recreation can help people meet their neighbours and feel part of a community.
As a teacher, sports fan and music lover, I value activities that bring people together. I would support affordable drop-in sports, walking groups, community music and activities where younger and older people can connect.
People should feel welcome even if they come alone or have never tried an activity before. Friendly staff, simple registration and affordable fees all help.
The Park Board cannot solve every cause of loneliness or division, but it can give people more opportunities to spend time together and build relationships.
10. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your platform?
I’m running with TEAM because I support an independent, elected Park Board and investment in parks and recreation. My priorities are straightforward: programs people can afford, spaces where they feel welcome, and parks and facilities that are well cared for.