Park Board Elects New Chair, Vice Chair

December 6, 2005 (No. 79) - Vancouver Park Board Commissioner Heather Holden was elected as the organization's new Chair at last night's inaugural Park Board meeting. Ms Holden was sworn-in along with her six newly elected colleagues which comprise the 2006-2008 Park Board. Commissioner Ian Robertson was elected as the new Vice Chair.

Heather Holden has a PhD in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and was a Professor of Geography at the National University of Singapore. She currently directs research at the Vancouver Aquarium. Heather has had a lifetime of participation in sports as a gymnast, rower, swimmer and long distance runner. She is a certified Advanced and Rescue SCUBA Diver and has her commercial pilot's license.

Ian Robertson is a BCIT graduate and is currently Director, Sustainable Development, with Rocky Mountaineer Vacations. His interest lies in economic development that is socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. Ian has been involved in amateur sport primarily through the participation of his two sons in field sports. He served as President of Dunbar Little League for four years.

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For further information, contact: Joyce Courtney, Manager of Communications at 604-257-8699.

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.