Board Meeting Highlights
February 27, 2006

The following information is intended to provide quick highlights of this scheduled Board meeting. Every attempt has been made to summarize these highlights as accurately as possible; however, the complete and official minutes will be posted on the web site on the Monday one week prior to the next scheduled Board meeting.

Meeting Agenda - February 27 , 2006

CHAIR'S REPORT

In a special event last week, the Park Board recognized and honoured its retiring and 25 year service employees. As part of the City's Celebration Week festivities to mark the handover of the Olympic flag and countdown to 2010, the Park Board offered free public skating sessions at all rinks on Sunday, and will be lighting up the English Bay Inukshuk at a ceremony on Wednesday.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Finance Committee agenda items included the proposed cell phone tower at Fraserview Golf Course, review of the 2005 Operating Budget, and 2006 Operating Budget. Recent Planning Committee agenda items included concessions strategy study, Nat Baily/Hillcrest design development, Arts and Seniors health project, China Creek South options for redevelopment, Stanley Park heronry plan, Pigeon Park design, Trout Lake Master Plan and Active Communities initiative.

PRESENTATIONS

A cheque for over $205,000 was presented to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, proceeds from the annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park event. The Park Board's partnership with the Fire Fighters is now is its 8th year, with more than $1 million raised to-date.

The 2006 City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Recognition was presented to the Park Board for restoration of the exterior of the Rose Garden Cottage in Stanley Park. Built in 1932, the rustic building is one of the most photographed facilities in the park.

The President and Project Manager of the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project Ltd. provided a project update to the Board. The $615 million waterfront space, featuring a 6 acre living roof, will improve access to city parks and Coal Harbour, and connects downtown to the waterfront, Harbour Green Park and Stanley Park. A new restaurant is also planned in the complex which is expected to be completed by 2008.

STAFF REPORTS

Emergency Social Services Program
The Board received for information a report on the Emergency Social Services (ESS) Program. This program assists people in the event of an emergency or disaster to remain independent and self-sufficient, meet basic survival needs, reunite with families, get information and re-establish themselves. Park Board communnity centres are designated as safe haven Reception Centres for evacuees if and as needed. Local ESS teams are members of the municipal and provincial Emergency Response Management System. The Park Board's Emergency Plan incudes roles and responsibilities of Commissioners and all departments during an emergency response as well as preparedness and recovery initiatives.

NEXT MEETING

The next regular meeting of the Park Board will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, March 6, 2006 at 2099 Beach Avenue.

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