Park Board Approves Stanley Park Restoration Plan

April 17, 2007 (No. 26) - Last night at a special meeting Park Board Commissioners unanimously approved all four recommendations of a staff report relating to the restoration of Stanley Park, including the park vision "that Stanley Park's forest be a resilient coastal forest with a diversity of native tree and other species and habitats, that allows park visitors to experience nature in the city."

The other recommendations included the endorsement of the Stanley Park Restoration Plan, a 53 page document that will serve as a framework to restore the damaged areas of the park and the development of detailed implementation plans and related budgets to achieve the restoration. Staff have also been directed to develop detailed plans for the Prospect Point road adjustment, a park legacy program and an updated forest management plan. These will be reviewed by the Board at a later date.

The approval of the $9 million plan, which has been developed over the last several months with input from staff, experts, stakeholders and the public, sets the stage for the remedial work to begin. A registered professional biologist has been retained to confirm the possible presence of endangered or at risk species that may be present in the blowdown areas. Staff are also meeting with the various consultants enlisted to assist with the restoration in order to coordinate a range of inter-related tasks such as slope stabilization, modification or removal of weakened trees, reduction of fire hazards, removal of fallen trees and repairing park infrastructure. The Prospect Point escarpment will be a priority work area, in efforts to reinstate safe public access to the Seawall below the slopes as soon as possible. Two kilometres of the popular seaside walk will likely remain closed through most of the summer.

Ongoing removal of debris, particularly along roads and trails, will continue indefinitely throughout the park.

- 30 -

For more information contact Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8440.
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

• Top