Board Meeting Highlights
May 26, 2008

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 - May 26, 2008

CHAIR'S REPORT

The Chair reported on the recent passing of former Vancouver Councillor and community leader Don Lee, the Park Board Volunteer recognition event on May 20, and Opera in the (Sunset) Nursery on May 23.

GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT

Park Board related item on Council and Committee agenda this week is 2009-2011 Draft Capital Plan which includes Park Board project funding.

PRESENTATION

The Park Board was presented with the 2008 "Best Walking City in Canada" award, following up the City's recent recognition from the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine.

STAFF REPORTS

Roundhouse Turntable Plaza
The design concept was approved for the redevelopment of the Roundhouse Turntable Plaza. The design will revitalize and animate the under-utilized open public space through moveable tents and canopies. Subject to a successful fundraising campaign, the project would be completed in time for the 2010 Winter Games.

Bell Mobility Telecommunications Proposal at Hillcrest Park
The Board entered into a License Agreement with Bell Mobility for telecommunications equipment in Hillcrest Park on a replacement sport field light post. The agreement addresses growing cell phone useage in the area plus the anticipated needs to support the 2010 Winter Games at the site.

Forest Management Plan - Consultative Agreement with UBC
An expenditure of $62,000 was approved to retain the consultative and data collection services of the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry to assist with the preparation of a Forest Management Plan for Stanley Park. The plan, part of the park's Restoration Plan, will inform and guide silvacultural activities over the next 20 years. It will be completed by this Fall.

Emery Barnes Park Phase 2
The Board approved a contract with Jonathan Losee Ltd. for landscape architectural design services for Phase 2 of Emery Barnes Park. Phase 1 of the downtown green space was completed in 2003. Public consultation around the project is planned.

Prospect Point Parking Lot and Road Relocation
C.A.P. Ventures Ltd. was awarded a contract in the amount of $965,000 for re-landscaping Prospect Point in Stanley Park. The landscape work is the second phase of this restoration related project and will include site regrading, a new plaza and ornamental planter configuration, walking trails and re-establishment of native trees and understorey.

MOTION

The Board put forward a Motion that the Park Board advises City Council that it is very concerned that the Park Board Capital Plan (2009-2011) submission has decreased from just over $100 million to $53.6 million and that two major projects have not been included: the funding for cost escalation for the Curling Venue, Percy Norman Aquatic Centre and Killarney and Trout Lake Rinks ($18.4 million) and the Trout Lake Community Centre ($20 million). The Motion carried.

NEXT MEETING

The next regular Park Board meeting will be held at 7 pm on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 2099 Beach Avenue.