Board Meeting Highlights
April 2, 2007

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 2, 2007

CHAIR'S REPORT

The Chair made a speech to the Association of Canadian Travel Guides about the impact of the windstorms on Stanley Park and plans for its restoration.

GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT

Park Board related items on Council and Committee agenda include: progress report on Project Civil City, and report back on Child Care Capital Projects - Simon Fraser/Mount Pleasant.

COMMITTEE REPORT

Last Planning Committee meeting items were Mount Pleasant Community Centre and Pool, and Park Naming Process.

PRESENTATIONS

Four donors presented cheques to the Park Board for Stanley Park Restoration: Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP ($50,117.73), TELUS ($125,000), Coast Capital Savings ($42,406.35) and Global TV pledged donations in the amount of $2,700,000.

STAFF REPORTS

2007 Capital Budget
The Board approved the 2007 Capital Budget of $64.7 million from a number of funding sources. The Board also requested Council allocate $1.4 million from city-wide Development Cost Levies (DCLs) for park development around the renewal of Trout Lake and Killarney Ice Rinks and the replacement of the Percy Norman Pool. As well, the Board requested Council allocate $4.5 million from DCLs for development of the Trillium park site. And, the Board accepted an additional $60,000 for Air India memorial from senior government. The Park Board's 2006-2008 Capital Plan, at $96.8 million, is the largest in the organization's history. The monies will be used to plan, acquire, construct, maintain and renew the large and diverse system of buildings and parks.

Stanley Park Air India Commemorative Playground and Memorial
The concept plan for the proposed children's playground and Air India memorial in Stanley Park's Ceperley Meadow was approved. The total project budget is $860,000, provided by the Federal Government; 80% of this will be allocated to the playground and landscaping. The historic red fire truck, which has been restored, will remain as a landmark. A stone wall will bear the names of the 331 individuals who died in the tragedy. Opening of the memorial is planned for late July.

Operating Statement for Year Ending December 31, 2006
For the year ending December 31, 2006, the Park Board recorded a deficit of $247,492. The deficit was attributed to the snow and windstorms in November and December which resulted in unforeseeble clean-up costs and revenue losses. The City has agreed to absorb these additional operating costs.

Accomplishments Report 2006
The General Manager outlined the Park Board's numerous achievements over 2006, guided by the Board's priorities and the direction of the Strategic Plan. Among the highlights in a most challenging and busy year were a focus on active living, acceleraton of artificial turf fields, new ways to develop additional revenues and provide better service, major infrastructure renewal and Olympic planning, safer parks, preservation of natural areas and sustainability initiatives, and public consultation and involvement. She thanked staff, partners, the public, Commissioners and the City for collectively helping to reach a new level of activity and excellence.

2007 Operating Budget
The Board approved the 2007 Park Board Global Budget of $55.8 million, including $442,100 for Added Basic costs and one-time adjustments, and New and Non-Recurring Budget of $296,000. This represents an increase of 1.7% over the 2006 net Operating Budget. The budget allows the Board to operate new and expanded facilities and maintain the current level of park and recreation services.

Kitsilano Yacht Club - Renewal of Operating Agreement
The Operating Agreement with Kitsilano Yacht Club was approved for a further five years, and modified to reflect the use of aquatic non-motorized boating activities (such as canoes and kayaks) as requested by the club. Established in 1934, the non-profit group provides recreational and competitive sailing, boat training and instruction and related events.

Motion
A Motion was put forward to direct Park Board staff to review and report back to the Board on the feasibility of attaching recyclable racks to garbage cans throughout the City's park system. The Motion carried.

Next Meeting

A Special Meeting of the Park Board will be held at 7pm on Monday, April 16, 2007 at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre.

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