- Investments in existing parks and open spaces: $94 million
- Investments in new parks and open spaces: $118 million
Park land
We manage more than 240 parks and 1,343 acres of land and would like to ensure every resident lives within a 5-minute walk to a park.
Expanding parks through land acquisition increases the capacity of existing parks, connects the park network, and serves areas of need. Acquiring waterfront land and land in Equity Initiative Zones continues to be a top priority as well.
| City of today (existing assets) |
City of tomorrow (new assets) |
| Not applicable |
$22.5 million to acquire land for future parks
|
Park amenities
VanPlay provides us with the areas of focus and directions for this work, which includes new park development. Assets include courts, tracks, grass and synthetic playfields, ball diamonds, and golf courses.
Many neighbourhood parks built in the 1960s are showing their age, so renewal and upgrades are in the works. Building with resilient and durable materials for longer-lasting and lower-maintenance parks is necessary as population density increases.
Integrating elements of Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and Urban Indigenous Peoples history and living culture are essential to include in park naming and design.
Outcomes from adopted strategies inform the scale and scope of new projects and upgrades at existing activity areas. For example, the Sport Field Strategy is currently underway and its recommendations will inform the renewal and expansion of the inventory of these amenities.
| City of today (existing assets) |
City of tomorrow (new assets) |
- $20 million toward park renewal program
- $7 million to renew children’s playgrounds and spray parks
- $6 million to renew and upgrade sport courts and skate parks
- $3.6 million to renew and upgrade ball diamonds and sport fields
- $500 thousand to maintain and renew dog parks
|
- $57 million to construct new parks, including new East Park in Southeast False Creek and expansion of ‘Burrard Slopes’ park
- $11 million to build a new track and field facility
- $3 million to build new ball diamonds and sport fields
- $1.3 million to build new sport courts, skateboard, and bike parks
- $1.3 million to build new playgrounds and spray parks
|
Seawall and waterfront
Many shoreline, beaches, and marine structures require ongoing maintenance and upgrades to address climate change and sea-level rise.
Work in this category presents opportunities for active recreation, cultural practice, and education, while protecting sensitive coastal species and habitats.
| City of today (existing assets) |
City of tomorrow (new assets) |
- $6 million to maintain and renew shorelines, seawalls, piers, and boardwalks
|
- $7 million plan and implement seawall and shoreline planning projects to address climate change
- $2 million to improve portions of Seaside Greenway located in parks
|
Urban forests and natural areas
Vancouver’s diverse park system includes 397 hectares of forests and 63 streams, ponds, and lakes.
This subcategory includes park and street trees, creeks and meadows, environmental stewardship, green infrastructure, biodiversity and ecological improvement, and management of these assets.
| City of today (existing assets) |
City of tomorrow (new assets) |
- $5 million to replace trees that are forecast to die or become diseased
- $2 million to reduce the consumption of potable water in park water features
|
- $2.5 million to plant new trees in parks
- $5 million to implement biodiversity projects
- $400 thousand to create new local food assets
|
Parks buildings, infrastructure, and vehicles
We want to provide safe, attractive, and comfortable park experiences, with ease of access to and around our parks. The parks system includes 23 kilometres of roads, 85 picnic shelters and gazebos, signs, light standards, drinking fountains, park plazas, and other infrastructure. There are over 390 park buildings including those at VanDusen Botanical Gardens, the Bloedel Conservatory, and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens.
The Washroom Strategy provides guidance for upcoming investments in the park system.
| City of today (existing assets) |
City of tomorrow (new assets) |
- $2.5 million to maintain and renew pedestrian infrastructure
- $2.5 million to maintain and renew park roadways and parking lots
- $3.3 million to maintain and renew park infrastructure (water, electrical)
- $500 thousand to maintain cliffs located above the Stanley Park seawall
- $10 million to maintain, renovate, and renew washrooms, fieldhouses and concessions
|
- $4 million and to build new park infrastructure (water, electrical)
- $500 thousand for universal access improvements
- $3.3 million to build new washrooms and fieldhouses
|
