Board Meeting Highlights
April 3, 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 - April 3, 2006

CHAIR'S REPORT

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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The recent Planning Committee agenda included downtown off-leash dogs consultation, Brockton Point Lighthouse, Chilean monument and Downtown Eastside arts project.

GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT

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.

PRESENTATION

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.

STAFF REPORTS

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.

MOTION

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.

OTHER BUSINESS

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.

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