Farewell To All That

The election is over. The people have spoken and now it is time for me to prepare my farewells. There is still one more meeting of this Board (October 27) and then the inaugural meeting of the next (November 7). Seven new Commissioners will be sworn in. I wish them good service and good luck, as I do to all the elected representatives at Council, School Board and Park Board.

There will be lots of time to reflect on and analyze the outcome, but for now, there are still a few loose ends to tie up and one or two more events to attend. 

For the record I have had:

30 years as a teacher

23 years as a parks and public space advocate

11 years as a Park Board Commissioner

7 years as a Public Library Trustee

3 years as Chair of the Park Board

2 years as a Governor of the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association

2 years working for the Honourable Jody Wilson Raybould MP

And countless years as a volunteer in my community

I am proud of my service. But I am especially proud of our work at the Park Board. From ending cetaceans in captivity to ensuring all children get a good start for a life-long passion in recreation, and fostering and working toward reconciliation with the first peoples of this land. We have embedded reconciliation, equity, and climate adaptation into every decision. Yes, I am proud of our achievements.

We had many challenges and successes over the past four years and we have hope for the next. It has been the greatest honour and privilege to serve as a Commissioner of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. I want to thank all the Commissioners present and past who have given so much to their community. We have not always agreed on how to get there, but we have all agreed that the Park Board is important, worthwhile, and relevant.

To our staff, I cannot thank you enough, for your dedication and passion. From the frontline to the General Manager, you all serve with passion and integrity, and you have my undying respect and thanks. To the incoming Commissioners, you have an awesome legacy to protect, but you have VanPlay to guide you.

I will move on to other things now, but these 11 years will stand out as some of the most rewarding of my life. Thank you for honouring me with your trust. I have always had what I thought was in the best interest of the Park Board and our community as my guide. Thank you for letting me serve.