Happy Holidays

 

Wishing everyone a happy holiday and a healthy new year.

Vancouver Park Board and City committed to ending encampment, providing indoor shelter, for those sleeping in Strathcona Park

 December 14 2020 

The Vancouver Park Board, City of Vancouver, and partners are committed to ending the encampment in Strathcona Park as soon as possible. All partners continue to work on long-term solutions, but in the meantime several short-term solutions are underway, including providing temporary indoor spaces.

Properties identified

We have identified several properties that can be deployed as temporary indoor spaces to support bringing people experiencing unsheltered homelessness inside. City-owned sites include Jericho Hostel and 2400 Motel as directed by Vancouver City Council, with the use of the Jericho Hostel also recently approved by the Park Board. We are also working with BC Housing to secure additional temporary shelter spaces.

Our staff are working to activate these facilities as soon as possible, including applying for operating funding from the Province, notifying the surrounding communities, planning and implementing renovations, and securing non-profit operators.

“The status quo at Strathcona Park is not OK. We need a resolution to the encampment. I believe we are on track to do that,” said Camil Dumont, Park Board Chair. “In order to get there, safer, dry, warm, indoor shelter for the many people currently stuck outdoors needs to be made available. Securing that option is a significant challenge. Thankfully, this work is under way. It’s a complex effort. I am very encouraged by the work of our partners which aims to ensure indoor space that is as dignified and as safe as possible is made available to the people taking refuge in Strathcona Park. That said, there is still much to do. We strive to ensure that Strathcona Park will again, soon, be a space that is welcoming and accessible to all. We also need to help ensure people are as safe as possible in the interim, in the park, and in the community at large.”

Once indoor spaces are available for people staying in Strathcona Park, the Park Board has authorized General Manager Donnie Rosa to enforce the Parks Control By-law. The revised by-law enacted by commissioners in September still allows overnight camping; however, tents must be removed by 8am each morning. However, the goal of all of the partners is to work together and with people experiencing homelessness in the park to support their voluntary transition indoors. 

Interim essential services

While work continues to bring the additional temporary spaces online, BC Housing and the City of Vancouver are working together to plan some interim essential services for people sleeping in Strathcona Park. 

“We and our partners want to ensure that people have a safe, warm place to sleep indoors,” said Sandra Singh, General Manager of Arts, Culture and Community Services for the City of Vancouver. “This winter is particularly difficult. The combination of the pandemic and the falling temperatures is making a difficult situation even worse and we are in active discussions with the Province regarding funding to provide shelter and housing options as soon as we can. Of course, given we are in a pandemic, we will also engage with Vancouver Coastal Health to ensure we have appropriate protocols and procedures in place as we do this work.” 

Fire safety regulations

In addition, a ‘Fire Chief’s Order’ was issued on June 25, 2020, to outline fire safety regulations for those living in the park. Enforcement of the order, or any new order, will include the removal of propane tanks and flammable materials, as well as ensuring proper spacing of tents and structures to limit the risk of fire spread.

Funding for permanent housing

Separately, we have also applied for funding of up to $51.5 million to support creating permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness through the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative, and are anticipating a response in the near future.

City staff also continue to actively work to house people experiencing homelessness at the park while these indoor solutions are being organized, with the ultimate goal being decampment into permanent shelter options. These efforts are in addition to ongoing work to house people experiencing homelessness across the city.

Green Party of Vancouver Statement on ‘Freedom Rally’ scheduled this weekend

Published Oct 17, 2020 10:26 AM

 VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Green Party of Vancouver stands in strong opposition to the dangerous and deceptive two-day ‘freedom rally’ scheduled for this weekend in Vancouver. While we unequivocally support the right to free speech and political protests, the rally and its organizers are promoting inaccurate, divisive, and harmful information which directly oppose Greens’ commitment to evidence-based policies and a healthy participatory democracy.

 The Party, backed by its full Caucus and Board, has signed on to the letter of concern put out by the Vancouver & District Labour Council (VDLC) and are supporting their effort to shed light on the growing movement of conspiracy theorists, hate-groups, and those spreading misinformation about Covid-19.

 “We at the Green Party have serious concerns regarding this event and others like it which have taken place over the past few months” said Anthony Hughes, Chair of the Green Party of Vancouver.

 “As Greens our founding values include Non-violence, Social Justice, and Respect for Diversity; as such we stand staunchly opposed to all forms of hate and bigotry, as well as any groups or individuals who put the public’s safety at risk with misinformation.

“We want to be clear that hate and untruths in any form go against our Green values and our code of conduct, and we will always stand up against anyone furthering hatred and misinformation.”

Green Party of Vancouver School Trustee Lois Chan-Pedley fears the impact it will have on students in Vancouver.

 “We have seen how divisive rhetoric and misinformation about Covid-19 in America has put the health and safety of students at risk,” said Chan-Pedley. “The consequences are long term and far-reaching. We have to combat this by making a united stand against this dangerous movement.”

 Stuart Mackinnon, Green Party Park Board Commissioner, is concerned about how quickly this movement and its message could spread.

 “In our role at Parks, we’ve seen a lot of untruths and falsehoods propagate since the pandemic began,” said Mackinnon.

 “The rhetoric we’ve seen coming from proponents and supporters of the rally has become increasingly hateful and deceitful; it puts people’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing at risk at a time when people are already struggling.”

 City Councillor Pete Fry stressed the importance of standing up to bigotry.

“None of us can afford to shirk away from these difficult conversations,” said Fry.

 “We need to stand firmly against hate, racism, and bigotry in all forms, shed light on untruths, and be clear about the dangerous divisive nature of these types of events and the kinds of rhetoric and anger they foster.”

 The Green Party of Vancouver will not be taking part in any in-person events opposing this rally in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Instead the Party is encouraging their supporters and the public to speak out against hatred and misinformation wherever and whenever they witness it.

 -30-

 More Information:

VDLC Letter of Concern

Stanley Park to reopen seawall to cyclists and full vehicle access Sep 26

September 18 2020 

Stanley Park will reopen to full vehicle access and cyclists will return to the seawall on Saturday, September 26, after more than 5 months of modified access due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

The park was closed to all vehicle traffic on April 8, other than first responders and essential business partners, in response to the need for greater physical distancing in busy areas such as the seawall, and amid public requests for greater access to essential recreational space for cycling and walking during the early phase of the pandemic.

Park Drive reopened to one lane of vehicle traffic on June 22, following the province’s easing of restrictions and after businesses in the park began reopening. The seawall remained closed to cyclists to allow pedestrians greater space during the busy summer months when pedestrian and cyclist traffic in the park reached an all-time high.

Park temporarily closed starting 8pm, Sep 25

Removal of the temporary Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will begin at 8 pm on Friday, September 25 and will continue through the night. The park will be temporarily closed during that time, to ensure the safety of staff as they work to remove equipment, traffic cones, and signage to restore the park to pre-COVID traffic access.

700 m of Park Drive to remain closed

​​​​​​​

Two lanes of vehicle traffic will be accessible the following morning, with the exception of 700 m of Park Drive between Beach Avenue and Lagoon Drive, where current traffic patterns will remain in place to facilitate the City’s Making Streets for People program dedicating part of Beach Avenue to cyclists.

Full vehicle access to Stanley Park will be available at the causeway entrances and all parking will be fully reopened with the exception of the parking near Ceperley Meadows.

Once full vehicle access resumes and cyclists return to the seawall, pedestrians and cyclists will be reminded to be cognizant of physical distancing to ensure all users have the space they need to recreate safely. The Park Board will continue to monitor and collect data within Stanley Park.​​​​​​​

Survey on park access open until Sep 20

The Park Board is currently conducting a comprehensive public engagement survey External website, opens in new tab to understand how Vancouverites want to access the park in the future.

The survey, which is accessible to everyone, closes on Sunday, September 20 and has had more than 10,500 respondents to date.

Phased approach to reopening and recovery

The Park Board is taking a thoughtful and phased reopening and recovery approach in alignment with BC’s Restart Plan External website, opens in new tab, and in consultation with various government and non-government agencies and partners.

Since May, the Park Board has reopened golf courses, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Bloedel Conservatory, tennis and pickleball courts, pitch & putts, skate parks, synthetic sports fields, basketball and volleyball courts, disc golf, roller hockey, multisport courts, playgrounds, spray parks, outdoor pools, day camps, childcare services, 24 community centres, four indoor pools, and some fitness centres.

The Park Board continues to review the feasibility of reopening other facilities and services and will make adjustments to its operations based on the latest information provided by VCH, the Provincial Health Officer, and industry partners.

For more information about the status of services and facilities impacted by COVID-19, please visit: vancouver.ca/ParkBoardRestart

Donnie Rosa to lead Vancouver Park Board as General Manager

August 31 2020

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and City of Vancouver will welcome an experienced municipal leader to the role of General Manager, Parks and Recreation, when Donnie Rosa assumes the role on September 28, 2020.

Rosa brings a unique familiarity, strategic insight, and invaluable experience to the General Manager role, after previously spending three years on the senior leadership team at the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation in the role of Director of Recreation Services.

Rosa left the Vancouver Park Board in 2019 to lead the City of Coquitlam as General Manager of Parks, Recreation, and Culture. Prior to joining the Park Board in 2016, Rosa spent nine years as Director of Recreation, Culture, and Theatres at the City of Brampton and was the Manager of Parks and Recreation at the City of Mississauga from 1999-2007.

25 years experience in parks, recreation, and culture operations

Rosa brings more than 25 years of experience in parks, recreation, and culture operations, coupled with a degree in communications from Northeastern University. Additionally, Rosa has worked in mental health and homeless shelters, and has a breadth of experience working in community development, youth and seniors’ programming, and the delivery of parks, unique gardens, trails, and open spaces to contribute to community resiliency and climate action.

Rosa offers a leadership style that is focused on building strong teams with a foundation in meaningful relationships.

“It’s an honour to be chosen to lead the incredible team at the Park Board,” said Rosa. “I’m passionate about parks, recreation, community, seeking truth in reconciliation, as well as increasing access, equity, and taking action on climate issues. I feel my values align closely with those of the Park Board and City of Vancouver. We have challenging work ahead of us and I know we have the talent and commitment to find solutions, with community engagement as a cornerstone in our approach.”

Past successes with the Park Board

While serving as Director of Recreation Services at the Park Board, Rosa was a key member of the team that successfully negotiated the new community centre joint operating agreement. Rosa is a settler working and living on the unceded, ancestral territories of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Background in sport and volunteerism

Along with extensive municipal experience, Rosa has an impressive background in sport and volunteerism. Rosa played professional ice hockey, was inducted into multiple hockey halls of fame, and coached in the Team Canada program for the International Ice Hockey Federation. Rosa is a committed and active community volunteer, as well as a multi-award winning leader, and has received multiple Leadership Awards from the City of Vancouver. Rosa currently serves as a Director and President-elect of the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) in addition to being a BC Director on the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA).

Rosa will replace Malcolm Bromley, who retired from the role at the end of May. Shauna Wilton, who had been Deputy General Manager at the Park Board, served as Interim General Manager for three months after Bromley’s retirement. Wilton is departing the Park Board and moving on from the Deputy General Manager role on September 4. Both the Park Board and City are extremely grateful to Wilton for her dedicated service and leadership over the past several years. 

see original post here.

Select arenas, fitness centres to reopen safely in September

August 10 2020

Vancouverites eager to return to indoor fitness and ice rink activities will find new COVID-19 safety measures in place as select locations are set to reopen in September.

The Vancouver Park Board, in partnership with local community centre associations, will begin by reopening 12 fitness centres in mid-September, with the 12 remaining locations reopening in a phased approach later this fall.

Similarly, Kerrisdale, Sunset, and Trout Lake arenas are scheduled to reopen September 21, with the remaining arenas aiming to reopen the following month.

“Our facilities play an important role in supporting not only the physical health of people in our community, but also their mental well-being, particularly in challenging times such as these,” said Daisy Chin, Director of Recreation for the Vancouver Park Board. “They also provide low-barrier options which meet the needs of a wide range of residents of various ages and abilities.”

Physical distancing and online reservation system

Fitness centres will reopen under new guidelines to promote physical distancing. This includes introducing an online reservation system for visitors, with 20% of spaces being reserved for onsite drop-in. Leisure Access Program patrons will be provided a code to make reservations.

Initially, arenas will only be available for organized play by permit holders. Plans to expand access to the general public are underway and will be offered once the required health and safety precautions are in place.

Fitness centres and arenas were voluntarily closed by the Park Board in mid-March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since May, the Park Board has reopened golf courses, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Bloedel Conservatory, tennis and pickleball courts, pitch and putts, skate parks, sports fields, basketball and volleyball courts, disc golf, roller hockey, multi-sport courts, playgrounds, spray parks, outdoor pools, and other priority programs.

 

Indoor pools update

The Park Board continues to review the feasibility of reopening other facilities and services and will make adjustments to its operations based on the latest information provided by Vancouver Coastal Health, the Provincial Health Officer, and industry partners.

In anticipation of federal and provincial funding support, the Park Board has developed a phased safe-return plan for indoor pools, and aims to provide a timeline in the coming weeks.

“Our teams have worked hard to come up with plans to deliver the services we know Vancouverites value,” said Chin. “But we’re still navigating the realities of this pandemic, including a reduction in expected revenues. It's important that we take time to carefully consider the long-term financial implications before committing to firm dates.”

For more information about the status of services and facilities impacted by COVID-19, visit: vancouver.ca/park-board-restart.

Homeless Count results highlight imperative need for housing in Vancouver

August 5 2020

  

The preliminary results from the 2020 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count released today found that 2,095 Vancouver residents are without a home. While this number has dropped by 128 since last year, hundreds of people in the city are still without safe and stable accommodation that meets their basic needs.

The results also indicate that, despite the creation of new housing units, there continues to be a disproportionate number of people who identify as Indigenous who are experiencing homelessness.

More than 33% of those surveyed in Vancouver identifying as Indigenous, despite only 2.2% of Vancouver’s general population identifying as Indigenous. Racial identity data collected for the first time in a regional count reveals that Black people are significantly over represented among racialized groups experiencing homelessness – 6% of respondents identified as Black compared to 1.2% in the Metro Vancouver general population followed by “Asian – South” (3%), and “Latin American” (3%). The final report will include further analysis of this data.

These disparities highlight the continued work needed from all levels of government, including the City, on reconciliation, decolonization, equity, and anti-racism.

The full results will be published and presented to Council in the fall. Read the preliminary report PDF file (436 KB)

About the Homeless Count

Vancouver is facing a housing crisis and people experiencing homelessness continue to be the hardest hit. The Homeless Count – conducted every year in Vancouver since 2010 and in Metro Vancouver every three years since 2002 – provides important information about the number and experiences of people who are homeless in the area being surveyed.

The City uses this data to inform its own policies, as well as funding and supports requests to senior levels of government. We continue to partner with BC Housing to create safe, secure and affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness, including temporary emergency measures, such as homeless shelters and navigation centres, and additional longer term options, such as the expedited creation of more supportive housing.

While the count remains a key tool in tracking homelessness trends, it is important to note some factors that may have impacted the results this year. Firstly, the count took place in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 3 and 4), prior to the Province declaring a State of Emergency on March 18. We know that COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on people on low-incomes due to job losses and, despite Provincial and Federal funding supports, the pandemic has created more precarious housing situations for many people.

The count is recognized to be an undercount as some people who are experiencing homelessness do not want to participate in the survey. Others, such as women, youth and those experiencing hidden homelessness, may be less likely to be included in the count due to the nature of the methodology. Moreover, the stigma associated with homelessness also can impact a person’s willingness to participate in the count or to be identified as experiencing homelessness.

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

In March 2020, the City of Vancouver convened a public partner, cross-departmental team to address the needs of those living in poverty and precarious housing or homelessness who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

The team’s work included:

Improving hygiene and washroom access

Ensuring access to food

Improving access to income

Improving access to safe and secure places to sleep

Supporting overdose prevention and safe spaces.

This work was made possible by funding from the provincial and federal governments, as well as the support of community partners and regional and provincial organizations including BC Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health. The City is preparing for a potential second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the provision of safe housing and shelter options, as well as additional supports such as food, are key priorities.

Original article here

Paul George, Co-Founder of the B.C. Green Party and Co-Founder of the Wilderness Committee, Awarded Order of British Columbia

MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – AUGUST 3, 2020

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Paul George, co-founder of  North America’s first Green Party, the Green Party of B.C., and co-founder of the British Columbia-based (Western Canada) Wilderness Committee is being awarded the Order of B.C., the highest recognition that the Province grants to any citizen.

The Order of B.C. is the Province’s highest honour for individuals who have served with great distinction or excelled in their field; inspiring individuals who have left a lasting legacy and whose extraordinary achievements have contributed to a better quality of life in the province.

“This is a great honour that everyone who helped make a reality and worked to build the Green Party should share, for it was always a group effort, not a one-person show,” said George.

"But I would rather have the Provincial Government stop the liquidation of the last one percent of the big-treed ancient forests of B.C. and quit promoting fossil fuel projects and rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, because with global warming coming at us at super-pandemic-speed, all of our successful efforts to protect nature will be for naught." 

George was his wife, Adriane Carr’s, campaign manager when she ran for the Vancouver School Board in 1984 as a Green Party candidate, along with several other civic Green candidates. This was the start of the Vancouver Green Party. He has been a key part of the campaign teams in all of Carr’s election campaigns, including the last three successful Green Party of Vancouver campaigns.

More recently, George co-founded the Action-in-Time Society,  focused on action to combat global warming. George has been a consistent opponent of the Trans-Mountain Pipeline and passionately believes that we must act with urgency to curtail Greenhouse Gas emissions and convert our economy to rely on truly sustainable renewable energy.

George is incredibly grateful to those who endorsed him for this award, including David Suzuki and Wade Davis

For more information go to the Government of B.C.’s website:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020IGRS0006-001385

-30-

Contact:   

Paul George: +1 604-740-1321

Childcare services returning to community centres in September

July 23 2020

Licensed childcare and preschool services will be able to reopen at 20 community centres across Vancouver starting September 1.

The majority of childcare services that operate out of Park Board community centres were closed in March in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, with the exception of Britannia, Creekside, Mount Pleasant, and Ray-Cam, which provided childcare to children of essential service workers.

About childcare services

Childcare services are offered through a valued partnership between the Vancouver Park Board, Community Centre Associations (CCAs), and third-party organizations.

The Park Board provides space and janitorial services, while CCAs and third parties operate the services. Specified reopening dates for September will be determined by individual CCAs and third-party operators.

Each childcare site supports between 20 to 174 children, ages two-and-a-half to 12. CCAs and third-party organizations will determine how their spaces will be filled and can give priority to children of essential service workers and vulnerable children and youth. Childcare and preschool licensees are required to use spaces in accordance to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) licensing regulations. VCH licensing does not require childcare operators to reduce their capacity.

Physical distancing measures

Physical distancing will be managed according to health guidance from the Ministry of Health and the Centre for Disease Control and will include a combination of markers, signage, and modified activities.

Staggered pick up and drop off times will be encouraged to reduce the chance of overcrowding, along with physical distancing measures.

Benefits of childcare and preschool

Licensed childcare provides opportunities for children to recreate and socialize with peers while developing various skills including communication, cooperative learning, and leadership.

Preschool provides essential early learning opportunities for children ages two-and-a-half to five years and assists in providing skills to become school-ready and in the development of core competencies.

Registration details

Some childcare and preschool services may already be filled as parents and guardians registered their children at the start of the year.

More details regarding registration will be posted when finalized at vancouver.ca/covid19.

Status of other Park Board facilities

At this time, there is no timeline for the reopening of gyms, fitness centres, and programming at community centres.

The Park Board is taking a thoughtful and phased reopening and recovery approach in alignment with BC's Restart Plan External website, opens in new tab, and in consultation with various government and non-government agencies and partners.

Since May, the Park Board has reopened golf courses, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Bloedel Conservatory, tennis and pickleball courts, pitch & putts, skate parks, synthetic sports fields, basketball and volleyball courts, disc golf, roller hockey, multisport courts, playgrounds, spray parks, and outdoor pools.

Restart and recovery

The Park Board continues to review the feasibility of reopening other facilities and services and will make adjustments to its operations based on the latest information provided by VCH, the Provincial Health Officer, and industry partners.

For more information about the status of Park Board services and facilities impacted by COVID-19, visit vancouver.ca/ParkBoardRestart.

For the Record: My remarks on the vote to amend the Parks Control By-law on temporary shelter in parks

The remarks I made during the debate at last nights special meeting of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation can be found HERE