This Week in History

May 10, 2004 - On May 12th 1886, the fledgling Vancouver City Council made a fortuitous decision. They unanimously voted to support a petition to the Federal Government of the Dominion of Canada to lease a 1,000 acre peninsula near the then downtown, to be used for park purposes.

On June 7th 1887, the former military reserve was officially leased to the City of Vancouver. In 1888, Council decided to appoint a special Park Committee, composed of three elected Aldermen and three appointed citizens, entrusted with the task of providing recreation and leisure for Vancouver's citizens. The new park would be its first priority. By 1890, three members of the committee were elected and by 1928, seven elected members comprised the now, so called, Park Board.

Learn more about today's Park Board.

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