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 - April 3, 2006
On Saturday, the community celebrated the grand opening of the new Killarney Pool, Vancouver's first indoor leisure pool, the first pool built by the Park Board in 25 years, and the first ozone-treated pool. Several hundred residents enjoyed the ceremonies which included aquatic exhibitions, music and refreshments.
The recent Planning Committee agenda included downtown off-leash dogs consultation, Brockton Point Lighthouse, Chilean monument and Downtown Eastside arts project.
On Council and Committee agendas this week is the 2006 Operating Budget which includes proposed cuts to Park Board funding. Delegations can speak Thursday to the recommendations in the interim estimates report.
Representatives from Coast Hotels & Resorts presented a cheque in the amount of $25,000 representing their support for the illumination of the Inukshuk. A plaque was unveiled earlier in the evening at the base of the Inukshuk, inspiration for the emblem of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Coast Hotels & Resorts provided their support for the Inukshuk's move from EXPO '86 to English Bay in 1987.
Transfer of Brockton
Point Lighthouse
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
has transferred Brockton Point Lighthouse to
the Park Board. The operator of the gift shop/café at
the nearby Totem Poles Interpretive Centre
will be setting up a small take-out service
during the peak summer months on the plaza
in front of this historic structure, built
in 1915. Seawall and park visitors will be
offered ice cream and cold drinks at this popular
location. There will be no additional parking
provided. This is a pilot program which will
be reviewed at the end of the season.
Nelson Park Upgrade
- Landscape Contract Award
The Phase II landscape architectural contract,
at fees of $50,000, was awarded to Durante
Kreuk for the upgrade of Nelson Park. Phase
II will allow for the detailed design and
construction drawings to begin with a target
for construction to begin this summer.
Oak and 37th
Park Site - Consultant Award
The Board approved the contract for consultant
services for the Oak and 37th park site project
to Durante Kreuk for $40,000. The consultant
will further develop the plan for the park
which will include a playfield, children's
playground, off-leash dog area, meadow and
trails within a naturalistic area.
Southeast False
Creek Update on Park Design
The concept plan for a rainwater wetland and children's
play park in the Southeast False Creek development
was supported by the Board. This two acre site is
part of the planned model sustainable neighborhood.
The park design had been presented to the public in
two open houses and overwhelmingly supported.
Burrard View
Park - Commemorative Cairn and Plaque
The Board approved the installation of a cairn and
plaque in East Vancouver's Burrard View Park commemorating
Judge Helen Gregory MacGill. The project is funded
by Parks Canada. Judge MacGill, who lived from 1864
to 1947, was a legal expert, tireless reformer for
women and families, and internationally acclaimed juvenile
court judge. The memorial has relevance to Burrard
View Park as it is the site of the former Juvenile
Detention Centre (now Cottage Hospice) where Judge
MacGill presided for ten years. Installation is planned
as early as next week.
Commissioner Woodcock moved that the Park Board explore ways of recognizing the historical achievements of women in the City of Vancouver, and of recognizing International Women's Day as significant to the accomplishments of all women; and that staff report back on naming a park in recognition of the significant contributions made by women to their neighborhoods and communities, as well as to the City of Vancouver as a whole. The Motion was defeated.
In respect to Commissioners' Motions on a Board agenda for the next three months, the Board decided that they will continue to follow the Procedure By-Law which states that ..."Any member may give Notice of a Motion by giving a copy to the Chair during a meeting of the Board and, upon being acknowledged by the Chair in a formal session, the resolution of the Motion shall appear in the minutes of that meeting and be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Board". In cases where the Commissioners require a shorter time-frame, Notice of Motion will be accepted, in both written and electronic form, if received by noon on the Monday of the week preceding the week in which the meeting will occur. Late Motions may be submitted but Notice will be called which would schedule the Motion to be discussed at the meeting following the meeting where notice was called. This direction will be reviewed after the July 17, 2006 meeting.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of the Park Board will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, May 1, 2006 at Strathcona Community Centre.