Board Meeting Highlights
December 11, 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 - December 11, 2006

CHAIR'S REPORT

Outgoing Chair Heather Holden reported on accomplishments of the past year, giving operational highlights under each of the Board's strategic priorities for 2006. She also acknowledged and thanked staff and fellow Commissioners for their hard work and contributions.

GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT

On Council agenda this week are Child Care Capital Allocation for Pooh Corner Daycare Playground Improvements, and Hillcrest Curling Venue/Percy Norman Aquatic Centre Venue Agreement.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

At the last Planning Committee, agenda items included design options for Victoria Park upgrade and concepts for China Creek Park redevelopment.

ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

Commissioner Ian Robertson was elected Chair, and Commissioner Korina Houghton was elected Vice Chair of the Board.

PRESENTATION

The Board was presented with the BC Landscape and Nursery Association's 2006 Environmental Stewardship Award, for the English Bay shoreline protection project at Kitsilano, Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks Park.

STAFF REPORTS

Jericho Arts Centre - Lease Agreement
The Board entered into an agreement with the Friends of Jericho Arts Centre Society to lease the Jericho Art Centre for a five year term. The group will operate, manage and maintain the 135 seat performance venue on Vancouver's west side, for community arts and theatre.

MoreSports Sustainability Update
An information report was received on MoreSports, the inner city recreational sport development program, serving over 3,200 children and youth in soccer, basketball, badminton and special events. Sports BC has proposed a new relationship with the organization which would help them address governance and growth strategies for the future.

Kitsilano Showboat Lease Renewal
The lease with the Kitsilano Showboat Society was renewed for a further five years. For fifty years, the group has staged free summer theatrical performances for the public at their stage in Kitsilano Park.

Percy Norman Aquatic Centre - Contract Awards
The Board delegated its contract award authority to the General Manager for development of the new Percy Norman Aquatic Centre, which will be built through jointly funded contracts awarded by VANOC. This arrangement facilitates the timely and cost effective delivery of the 2010 Winter Games Curling Venue at Hillcrest Park and the Percy Norman Pool, with 14 trade contractors involved in the construction and costs estimated at $25.63 million. The Board also endorsed recommedtations to Council for an amended Venue agreement with VANOC, a six month reporting back procedure to both Park Board and Council on thre project budget schedule, and borrowing authority for the unallocated Percy Norman Aquatic Centre funds ($17.6 million). Ground breaking for the curling venue is expected to take place in late February or early March 2007.

2007 Special Events
The 2007 calendar of special events was received for information. The Board also approved changes in the location of and partial road closures for the Scotia Bank Half Marathon in Stanley Park. In 2006, the Park Board issued 260 permits for special events, runs and walks.

MOTION

The Board defeated a Motion to reconsider the October 30, 2006 resolution to eliminate the senior discount for moorage fees at Burrard Marina.

NEXT MEETING

The next regular meeting of the Park Board will be held at 2099 Beach Avenue on Monday, January 15, 2007.