Vancouver's Community Centres: A better way forward
February 1 2013
Discussions are underway to develop a new partnership agreement between the Vancouver Park Board and the city’s Community Centre Associations. A new agreement would ensure all Vancouver residents have fair and equal access to the programs and services at all Community Centres.
Reports on the progress and outcomes of this process will be posted as soon as available.
Recent updates
March 2: Joint statement of negotiations status
As ongoing negotiations enter their fourth week, today’s discussions have centred on acceptance of the Leisure Access Card (LAC) by Community Centre Associations in their fitness centres and for programming discounts across Vancouver’s Community Centre network. This will enhance access for all Vancouver residents.
Further discussions by a joint working group of Park Board staff and Community Centre Association representatives will determine details of a new joint LAC policy, its administration, and its review and amending process.
February 23
Park Board and Community Centre Association representatives held productive discussions about renewing their partnership through an updated Joint Operating Agreement (JOA). The group recognized strong coherence in their visions for the JOA.
Agreed by all is the belief that a respectful partnership is the best vehicle for meeting Park Board’s, City’s, and Community Centre Associations’ goals.
While it is recognized that final agreements will not be made until negotiations are complete, we have arrived at a consensus for our continuing process and agenda.
Next we will work toward an understanding on universal membership and acceptance of Leisure Access Card.
February 16
The Park Board and a group of Community Centre Associations started negotiations with jointly-selected facilitator Terry Harris (www.terryharris.com). We established a meeting schedule and process guidelines, and are committed to regular meetings. This schedule respects the time constraints of volunteers and the joint commitment to an expedited process.
February 4
The Park Board approved the framework for a new partnership agreement with Vancouver's 20 community centre associations to deliver recreation services and programs
Background information
- View the presentation from a Park Board Special Meeting held February 4th (amended Feb 18)
- Read the Park Board Chair's letter to community centre recreation participants
