Park Board Clarifies Budget Information

February 10, 2006 (No. 8) - In response to recent media reports, the Vancouver Park Board would like to clarify information about its 2006 Preliminary Operating Budget.

The City of Vancouver's Preliminary Operating Budget Report  was presented to Council on January 31, 2006. As part of that report, the Park Board's 2006 Preliminary Operating Budget was also presented.

For 2006, the Park Board will require $2,409,000 in additional funds to provide the current level of service. This increase includes $1,452,000 in inflationary increases for salaries and wages, utilities and supplies. It also includes $629,000 for ongoing costs associated with new or renovated facilities and $328,000 in one-time funding for loss of revenues due to emergency repairs at Fraserview Golf Course and reservoir redevelopment at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Park Board Budget (all figures in thousands)	2005	2006	Increase	%
Gross Expenses	$85,763	$90,263	$4,500	5.2%
Less: Revenues	$32,967	$35,058	$2,091	6.3%
Net Park Board Budget	$52,796	$55,205	$2,409	4.6%

Based on instruction from Council, City departments and boards have been asked to explore options to lower the City's projected tax increase of 6.4%. All City departments and boards are participating in this exercise and the Park Board's share of this reduction would be approximately $1.8 million.

Once Council receives options in early April, it will determine at what rate to set taxes. As approximately 60% of the Park Board's budget is funded through City taxes, the Board will be affected by Council's decision on the tax rate. Once the actual rate is set and the extent of any potential decrease is known, the Board will determine how to balance the 2006 Budget.

The Park Board is committed to parks and recreation services. Any options to balance the budget which impact residents will be carefully considered, evaluated and include public consultation.

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For further information, contact: Anita Ho, Director of Corporate Services, at 604-257-8446.

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.

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