Stanley Park Restoration Donor Monument Unveiled Today

December 15, 2008 (No. 71) - Park Board Chair Raj Hundal was joined today at Prospect Point by Mayor Gregor Robertson and Mark Warawa, MP-Langley to unveil a monument in recognition of the Stanley Park Restoration donors. The event marks the second anniversary of the devastating windstorm that struck the park in 2006 and provided an opportunity to thank the community for its support for the successful completion of the Restoration Project.

Prospect Point, the site of the monument, took the brunt of the devastating windstorm. Comprised of 8 monolithic basalt rocks quarried near Squamish, the monument evokes the geological makeup of the Point itself. The intent was to use natural materials that were native to the area. The same basalt rock has also been incorporated into the massive planters within the redeveloped, surrounding landscape.

Funding for the award-winning Restoration Project has been made possible through the generosity of thousands of individuals, corporations and organizations. In addition, the Government of Canada, the Government of BC and the City of Vancouver each contributed $2 million towards the park's recovery.

Events like today's ceremony, hosted by Global Television anchor, Chris Gailus, are one of the many ways that the Park Board recognizes its donors. The Park Board has a comprehensive recognition program to honour and acknowledge contributions and engage donors through involvement in an annual stewardship program.

At the Stanley Park Restoration Donor Monument Unveiling, December 15, 2008. From left: MP Mark Warawa, Langley and Parliamentary Secretary to The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Environment; Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson; Park Board Commissioner Aaron Jasper; Park Board Chair Raj Hundal; Park Board Commissioner Ian Robertson; Park Board Commissioner Stuart Mackinnon and Park Board Commissioner Constance Barnes in front of the monument at Prospect Point.

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For more information, contact Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator,
at 604-257-8440 or 604-377-3950.
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 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.