Candidate Profile – TRACY D. SMITH – #230 – (INDEPENDENT)
Top 3 priorities (from City of Vancouver Election webpage)
- More family programming
- Cheaper & more inclusive
- Lifeguards & swim lessons
Platform (from City of Vancouver Election webpage)
For our family, the parks are an extension of our small home. The parks are how we deal with the struggles of living in Vancouver but we compete with other families for scarce resources (swim lessons, lifeguards, playgrounds, programs and options). Let’s give more, support more and be more for all of us through our parks so we can live cooperatively and share in our city together.
2022 Park Board Candidate Questions
1. You’re speaking to a friend from out of town, and they ask for a quick overview of “where things are at” with Vancouver’s parks and recreation facilities. What do you say?
We are a very fortunate city to have 250 public parks and beaches. We are always moving forward as a progressive city to provide more access, opportunities and inclusion for everyone and hopefully, we will continue in this direction.
2. The topic of equity features heavily in both VanPlay (the Parks Board Masterplan) and the recently approved Vancouver Plan. What’s your take? Does Vancouver’s park system need to be more equitable and accessible? If yes, what changes would you propose and/or prioritize to make this happen?
I would love to see expansion of the Leisure Access Program, more bursaries and scholarships for students/families and more lifeguard training.
3. As a general principle, should parks aim to accommodate cycling paths within their boundaries? What are your thoughts on bikes and bike lanes in parks? (Please note: this is not specifically a question about Stanley Park).
I would like to see the parks for everyone which includes people who commute and exercise on bike. Other cities around the world have found ways to accommodate various modes of mobility especially for recreation and I would like to see some successful models of sharing our pathways which we can implement in Vancouver.
4. What role, if any, do you see the Park Board playing in responding to the needs of people experiencing homelessness/houselessness and encampments?
I believe all levels of city government need to work together to take care of the needs of all community members. There are services that parks can provide and there are ways the city can work with the province and the federal government as well. I will look into all these opportunities so we can all work together to help everyone.
5. Should Vancouver’s parks and recreation facilities play a part in supporting climate resilience or ecosystem restoration? If yes, how?
Absolutely. Decisions that are made about parks directly affect how our city can impact climate change. I look forward to finding innovative solutions that work for this issue while still providing services to the community.
6. Is having a Board of Parks and Recreation the best way to govern and manage Vancouver’s park system? If yes, why? If not, what would you propose in its place?
I believe the Parks Board has a vital role to play in the governing of the city and its resources.
7. What, if anything, do you think the Park Board should do to support/facilitate community activation/events and stewardship of park spaces and facilities?
The Parks Board should continue its strong work in this arena.
8. In the past few 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?
Absolutely. Through consultation and collaboration with the Musqueam Nation.
9. If you could make changes to one park in the city – which park is it, and what would you do?
Eburne Park in Marpole requires more facilities, shade, benches, washrooms, trees, etc. This area of the city lacks greenspace and is very densely populated.
10. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your platform?
How can we create more space, opportunities, access and inclusion for everyone? It is in community centres, gardens, parks and shared public spaces where we all connect and with more accessibility and resources, we can provide more for all. Let’s provide more playgrounds, lifeguards, swim lessons, programs, accessibility and options for everyone.
I want to thank you again for this opportunity and I hope I get your vote!
Biography and Contact
Biography (City of Vancouver Election Webpage)
Tracy D. Smith is a long time Vancouver resident who is determined to do her part in making this city accessible and livable for all. She is a dedicated mother and high school English teacher but don’t worry, she won’t correct your grammar. She has served in elected positions for over 20 years for various non-profit boards and unions.
Contact
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vancityparks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracydeesmith
Other: vancityparks@gmail.com