Proposed parks and recreation governance transition

Parks and Recreation Transition Working Group

Council has established a Parks and Recreation Transition Working Group to identify options on how Council can structure its governance responsibilities and manage engagement with key community stakeholders and the public about parks and recreation services should the proposed transition proceed.

Supported by City staff, the working group will have up to 6 months to explore these considerations and make recommendations to Council.

The Council-appointed working group includes:

• The Mayor
• The Mayor's Chief of Staff
• 2 Council members (Councillor Rebecca Bligh, Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung)
• A current Park Board Commissioner (Commissioner Marie-Claire Howard)
• Up to 6 members of the public (noted below)

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  Catherine Evans

  Catherine Evans was elected Park Board Commissioner in Vancouver from 2014 to 2018, was chair of the Vancouver Public Library from 2011 to 2014, and has held a variety of senior policy and management roles in the governments of both British Columbia and Ontario.

  Catherine is also an active community member volunteering and serving on the boards of a wide range of organizations including the BC Society of Landscape Architects, BC Society for Public Education, Vancouver Public Library and Library Foundation, Canadian Women Voter Congress, Westcoast LEAF, and Homes First Society, among others.

  In addition to her public sector and volunteer work, Catherine has experience as a lawyer, a consultant, and as co-owner of Ethos Strategy Group – a former communications and public relations firm in Vancouver. In early 2022 she was appointed Chancellor of the Vancouver School of Theology.

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  Jordan Nijjar

  Jordan Nijjar is a proud fourth-generation Vancouverite. Growing up in the heart of South Vancouver, he attended Moberly Elementary and later graduated from David Thompson Secondary.

  His family ties, dating back to the 1950s, connect him deeply to Vancouver. His grandparents and parents have been an integral part of the local community, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity.

  After completing his education, Jordan pursued further studies at Langara College. He found his professional calling at Vancity Community Credit Union, contributing to the local community.

  Jordan's compassion extends beyond the workplace. Volunteering with the Vancouver Crisis Centre, he provides support and empathy to those in need. This commitment to community welfare showcases his belief in making a positive impact beyond the professional realm.

  Beyond his professional endeavors, Jordan is actively involved in community service. He has been instrumental in organizing spring and summer youth camps for the Khalsa Diwan Society Sikh Temple, providing enriching experiences for the younger generation.

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  Shauna Wilton

  Shauna brings extensive experience and dedication to her roles, having served as a City of Vancouver employee from 2014 to 2020. In her final position as Acting General Manager of the Vancouver Park Board, she showcased her leadership skills. Prior to that, Shauna spent 4 years as the Deputy GM, a role she assumed after playing a pivotal role in key initiatives, including the renegotiation of the Community Centre Association’s Joint Operating Agreement.

  Shauna holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.

  Throughout her 25-year career, she has held key leadership positions in both private and public sectors, including strong community involvement volunteering on several boards of directors spanning the arts, mentoring, and amateur sport. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is also known as an avid golfer.

  Shauna is currently the Vice President of Event Operations for the PNE, a role she assumed in June 2023.

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  Jennifer Wood

  Jennifer Wood, a life-long Vancouverite, has been a lifelong user of the city's parks and recreational facilities. From childhood experiences of learning to swim and skate in community facilities to exploring new sports on city courts as an adult, she continues to embrace Vancouver’s park resources. As a mother to 4 active children and 2 dogs, Jennifer's daily life involves utilizing park space for various activities such as soccer, tennis, swimming, and dog walking.

  In her role as Board Director for BC Diving, Jennifer has developed an interest in aquatic sports and infrastructure, with special interest in the renewal of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. She also has a relationship with Swim BC governance.

  With a lifelong appreciation of green spaces, an academic background in molecular ecology and a recently developed interest in birding, Jennifer has a strong interest in protecting natural spaces and their inhabitants.

  Jennifer is excited to be involved in the process of transitioning the custody of our city’s natural spaces and the management of associated community resources.

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  Gregor Young

  Gregor Young, a Vancouver resident since emigrating from Scotland at 10 months old, has immersed himself in the city's sports culture. His athletic journey saw him excel in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse at competitive levels during his teenage years. Ultimately, he devoted himself to soccer, playing varsity at UBC for 5 years while earning a degree in Political Science. His dedication to the sport even led him to represent the men's national team twice.

  With 20 years of full-time experience in youth soccer, Gregor serves as the Executive Director for Vancouver United FC, a prominent youth soccer club. His role involves extensive interaction with Park Board officials and staff. For the past 2 years, he has contributed his expertise as a member of the Park Board External Advisory Board for Field Strategy. Gregor's involvement extends beyond Vancouver United FC, as he actively participates in various committees at the club, district, league, and BC Soccer levels.

  His commitment to fostering teamwork and providing youth with enriching experiences underscores the fundamental goal of his work.

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  History

  While the Community Charter provides a working example of how all other municipal councils across BC already effectively govern parks and recreation, there are unique considerations arising from the Vancouver Charter that require further consideration. 

  Established in 1888, the Vancouver Park Board was created to oversee Stanley Park. Created by the Vancouver Charter,1890, it held its first election and it remains the only elected body of its type in Canada. 

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  Park designations 

  The Vancouver Charter currently has 3 park categories, each with its own set of rules for how park land can be designated.

  Park categories

  The category determines how much jurisdiction the Park Board has over the park land and the process for changing its use. 

  1. Permanent public park, 488(1) of the Charter

  • Under the exclusive jurisdiction and control of the Park Board
  • Change of use requires a 2/3 vote by both City Council and the Park Board. 

  2. Temporary public park, 488(2) of the Charter

  • Under the exclusive jurisdiction and control of the Park Board
  • Change of use requires a 2/3 vote of City Council. 

  3. Custody, care, and management, 488(3) of the Charter

  • Powers prescribed by Council are granted to the Park Board.
  • Change of powers granted to the Park Board requires a majority vote of City Council.

  The Park Board maintains more than 250 parks in Vancouver, some of which are permanent, some temporary, some are lands under the care, custody, and management of the Park Board, and some are a mix of these types of designations.

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  Meeting minutes

  • Park Board Transition Working Group meeting minutes - April 3, 2024 PDF file (144 KB) 
  • Park Board Transition Working Group meeting minutes - March 13, 2024 PDF file (148 KB)
  • Park Board Transition Working Group meeting minutes - February 28, 2024 PDF file (148 KB)
  • Park Board Transition Working Group meeting minutes - February 21, 2024 PDF file (152 KB)
  • Park Board Transition Working Group meeting minutes - February 7, 2024 PDF file (148 KB)
  • Park Board Transition Working Group meeting minutes - January 31, 2024 PDF file (128 KB)
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  Documents

  • Parks and Recreation governance transition planning: Progress update 2 PDF file (350 KB)
  • Parks and Recreation governance transition planning: Progress update PDF file (424 KB)
  • MST letter to BC government and City of Vancouver Re: Vancouver Charter - March 1, 2024 PDF file (432 KB) 
  • Standing Committee on City Finance and Services - February 7, 2024
  • Park Board Transition Working Group terms of reference - January 25, 2024 PDF file (130 KB)
  • Park Board Transition Working Group announcement - January 25, 2024 PDF file (141 KB)
  • Musqueam support letter - January 8, 2024 PDF file (140 KB)
  • Tsleil-Waututh Nation support letter - January 26, 2024 PDF file (364 KB)
  • Statement from the Minister of Municipal Affairs – December 14, 2023 External website, opens in new tab
  • The Vancouver Charter
  • Council motion to amend the Vancouver Charter – December 13, 2023 PDF file (96 KB)