GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT REGIONAL PARKS COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, November 5, 2015 9:00 AM 2nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia
A G E N D A1
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
1.1 November 5, 2015 Regular Meeting Agenda That the Regional Parks Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for November 5, 2015, as circulated.
2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 October 1, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes That the Regional Parks Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held October 1, 2015, as circulated.
3. DELEGATIONS
4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS
5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF
5.1 George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Framework Designated Speakers: Mitch Sokalski, Director, Regional Parks Wendy DaDalt, Division Manager, East Area, Regional Parks That the GVRD Board: a) Approve the Legacy Stewardship Program framework outlined in the report dated October 7, 2015 titled “George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Framework“; and b) authorize staff to enter into a George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Administration Agreement, between the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Pacific Parklands Foundation for a three‐year term from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, to dispense Legacy Reserve Fund interest earned
1 Note: Recommendation is shown under each item, where applicable.
October 29, 2015 Regional Parks Committee 1 Regional Parks Committee Regular Agenda November 5, 2015 Agenda Page 2 of 3 since July 2013 to December 31, 2015, and for annual interest earned each year during the term of this agreement.
5.2 Campbell Valley Regional Park – South Carvolth School Future Designated Speaker: Wendy DaDalt, Division Manager, East Area, Regional Parks That the GVRD Board approve the deconstruction of the South Carvolth School building in Campbell Valley Regional Park.
5.3 Mining Lease Application for Sumas Mountain ‐ FVRD Electoral Area G ‐ Sumas Mountain Interregional Park Designated Speaker: Wendy DaDalt, Division Manager, East Area, Regional Parks That the GVRD Board write a letter to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, with copies to the City of Abbotsford and Fraser Valley Regional District, expressing opposition to the proposed mining lease application submitted by 266531 BC Ltd., as outlined in the report titled “Mining Lease Application for Sumas Mountain – FVRD Electoral Area G – Sumas Mountain Interregional Park”.
5.4 Manager’s Report – Regional Parks Designated Speaker: Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment Department That the Regional Parks Committee receive for information the report dated October 8, 2015, titled “Manager’s Report – Regional Parks”.
6 INFORMATION ITEMS
6.4 Regional Parks Summary of Events: November 2015 – January 2016
6.5 Access to Minnekhada Regional Park Correspondence from Mitch Sokalski, Director, Regional Parks, Metro Vancouver, addressed to Philip Warburton.
7 OTHER BUSINESS
8 BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS
9 RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING Note: The Committee must state by resolution the basis under section 90 of the Community Charter on which the meeting is being closed. If a member wishes to add an item, the basis must be included below.
That the Regional Parks Committee close its regular meeting schedule for November 5, 2015, pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1) (e), (i) and 90 (2) (b) as follows: “90 (1) A part of the meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following:
Regional Parks Committee 2 Regional Parks Committee Regular Agenda November 5, 2015 Agenda Page 3 of 3 (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the board or committee considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district; (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor‐client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; and 90 (2) A part of a meeting must be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one or more of the following: (b) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the regional district and a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party.
10 ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION That the Regional Parks Committee adjourn/conclude its regular meeting of November 5, 2015.
Membership: Deal, Heather (C) – Vancouver Hayne, Bruce – Surrey Nicholson, Maureen – Bowen Island Long, Bob (VC) – Langley Township Hodge, Craig – Coquitlam Penner, Darrell – Port Coquitlam Braun, Henry – Abbotsford Jackson, Lois – Delta Read, Nicole – Maple Ridge Dhaliwal, Sav – Burnaby McEwen, John – Anmore Elkerton, Janis – Pitt Meadows Muri, Lisa – North Vancouver District
12053288
Regional Parks Committee 3
2.1
GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT REGIONAL PARKS COMMITTEE
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Regional Parks Committee held at 9:05 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2015 in the 2nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Councillor Heather Deal, Vancouver Vice Chair, Councillor Bob Long, Langley Township Mayor Henry Braun, Abbotsford Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, Burnaby Councillor Janis Elkerton, Pitt Meadows Councillor Bruce Hayne, Surrey Councillor Lisa Muri, North Vancouver District Councillor Maureen Nicholson, Bowen Island Councillor Darrell Penner, Port Coquitlam
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councillor Craig Hodge, Coquitlam Mayor Lois Jackson, Delta Mayor John McEwen, Anmore Mayor Nicole Read, Maple Ridge
STAFF PRESENT: Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment Carol Mason, Commissioner/Chief Administrative Officer Deanna Manojlovic, Assistant to Regional Committees, Board and Information Services, Legal and Legislative Services
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
1.1 October 1, 2015 Regular Meeting Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for October 1, 2015, as circulated. CARRIED
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2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 July 9, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held July 9, 2015, as circulated. CARRIED
2.2 July 23, 2015 Special Meeting Minutes
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee adopt the minutes of its special meeting held July 23, 2015, as circulated. CARRIED
3. DELEGATIONS No items presented.
4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS No items presented.
5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF
5.1 2016 Budget and Business Plan – Regional Parks Report dated September 21, 2015 from Mitch Sokalski, Director, Regional Parks, Planning, Policy and Environment, presenting the 2016 Regional Parks Budget and Business Plan for consideration by the Regional Parks Committee.
In response to questions, members were informed: that staff track and monitor demand for school programs, public programs, and facilities once registration and/or bookings have reached capacity that a conservative approach is taken in forecasting external revenues, such as grants, rentals program and commercial filming, as these revenues are variable
Members offered comments about options for expanding regional park use revenue streams. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee endorse the 2016 Regional Parks Budget and Business Plan as presented in the report titled “2016 Budget and Business Plan – Regional Parks” dated September 21, 2015 and forward them to the Board Budget Workshop on October 21, 2015 for consideration. CARRIED
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5.2 Kanaka Creek Regional Park – Contribution Agreement for Operation of the Kanaka Creek Bell‐Irving Hatchery Report dated September 4, 2015 from Wendy DaDalt, Division Manager, East Area, Regional Parks, Planning, Policy and Environment, seeking Board approval to enter into a one‐year Contribution Agreement with the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society toward the operation of the Kanaka Creek Bell‐ Irving Hatchery.
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the GVRD Board approve the Contribution Agreement between the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society toward the operation of the Kanaka Creek Bell‐Irving Hatchery for a one‐year term in the amount of $21,000, commencing January 1, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2016. CARRIED
5.3 Regional Parks Committee Workshop – Land Acquisition Strategy Principles Report dated August 25, 2015 from Craig Sobering, Park Planner ll, Regional Parks, Planning, Policy and Environment, providing the document titled “Principles – Land Acquisition for Regional Parks & Trails/Greenways” for information and requesting that the committee refer the document to staff for consideration during work on the new regional parks land acquisition strategy.
Members were provided with a presentation on the outcomes from the July 23, 2015 regional parks and trails/greenways land acquisition strategy workshop, highlighting the principles influencing the Metro Vancouver land acquisition strategy and planning.
Members expressed concerns about the potential for principle #5 (of the Land Acquisition for Regional Trails and Greenways – Thoughts and Principles section) to impact industrial land development.
Request of Staff Staff was requested to append the phrase “in the context of the regional growth strategy principles” to the end of principle #5 of the Land Acquisition for Regional Trails and Greenways – Thoughts and Principles section of attachment 5.3 titled “Principles – Land Acquisition for Regional Parks & Trails/Greenways”.
Presentation titled “Regional Parks Committee Workshop ‐ Land Acquisition Strategy Principles” is retained with the October 1, 2015 Regional Parks Committee meeting agenda.
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Regional Parks Committee 6 It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee refer the document titled “Principles – Land Acquisition for Regional Parks & Trails/Greenways” to staff for consideration during work on the new regional parks land acquisition strategy. CARRIED
5.4 Lower Mainland Green Team Funding Request 2015 Report dated September 4, 2015 from Mitch Sokalski, Director, Regional Parks, Planning, Policy and Environment, informing the Regional Parks Committee of a 2015 funding request by the Lower Mainland Green Team, Green Teams Canada.
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee receive for information the report dated September 4, 2015, titled “Lower Mainland Green Team Funding Request 2015.” CARRIED
5.5 2015 Special Parks District Forum Report dated September 1, 2015 from Janice Jarvis, Natural Resource Management Specialist, Regional Parks, Planning, Policy and Environment, informing the Regional Parks Committee on the findings from the 2015 Special Park Districts Forum hosted by Huron‐Clinton Metroparks, Oakland County Parks and Recreation and Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan, USA.
Members were provided with a presentation about the 2015 Special Park Districts Forum, highlighting the features and facilities of the Metroparks that were toured during the Forum.
Presentation titled “Special Parks District Forum 2015” is retained with the October 1, 2015 Regional Parks Committee meeting agenda.
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee receive for information the report dated September 1, 2015, titled “2015 Special Parks District Forum”. CARRIED
5.6 Manager’s Report – Regional Parks Report dated August 26, 2015 from Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment, providing an update on the Regional Parks Committee 2015 work plan; the regional parks Service Review Implementation Work Plan; summer 2015 public programs; Regional Parks Plan; regional parks land acquisition strategy; and regional parks August 29, 2015 storm damage.
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee receive for information the report dated August 26, 2015, titled “Manager’s Report – Regional Parks”. CARRIED
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6. INFORMATION ITEMS
6.1 Overview of BC Hydro’s Transmission Relocation Project at the George Massey Tunnel
6.2 Kanaka Creek Bell‐Irving Hatchery ‐ Appreciation for Coordination of the Salmonids in the Classroom Correspondence dated July 22, 2015, from Bev Bowler, Education Coordinator, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, addressed to Ross Davies, Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS).
6.3 Regional Parks Summary of Events ‐ October 2015
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee receive for information the following Information Items: 6.1 Overview of BC Hydro’s Transmission Relocation Project at the George Massey Tunnel 6.2 Kanaka Creek Bell‐Irving Hatchery ‐ Appreciation for Coordination of the Salmonids in the Classroom 6.3 Regional Parks Summary of Events ‐ October 2015 CARRIED
7. OTHER BUSINESS No items presented.
8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS No items presented.
9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee close its regular meeting schedule for October 1, 2015, pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1) (e) and (i) as follows: “90 (1) A part of the meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the board or committee considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district; (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor‐client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. CARRIED
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10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Regional Parks Committee adjourn its regular meeting of October 1, 2015. CARRIED (Time: 10:47 a.m.)
______Deanna Manojlovic, Heather Deal, Chair Assistant to Regional Committees
11798945 FINAL
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Regional Parks Committee 9 5.1
To: Regional Parks Committee
From: Mitch Sokalski, Director, Regional Parks Wendy DaDalt, Division Manager, East Area, Regional Parks
Date: October 7, 2015 Meeting Date: November 5, 2015
Subject: George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Framework
RECOMMENDATION That the GVRD Board: a) approve the Legacy Stewardship Program framework outlined in the report dated October 7, 2015 titled “George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Framework“; and b) authorize staff to enter into a George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Administration Agreement, between the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Pacific Parklands Foundation for a three‐year term from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, to dispense Legacy Reserve Fund interest earned since July 2013 to December 31, 2015, and for annual interest earned each year during the term of this agreement.
PURPOSE To obtain GVRD Board approval for the George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program framework and a three‐year Administration Agreement between GVRD and the Pacific Parklands Foundation to dispense annual interest earned from the bequest.
BACKGROUND The $2.8 million George Ross bequest was received by Metro Vancouver in July 2013. The funds are held by the GVRD in a Legacy Fund reserve account. In November 2014, the GVRD Board authorized that $300,000 of the bequest be used for the Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre, that the George Ross Learning Room be named in his honor to recognize this great gift to Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, and that a George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program be established and administered by the Pacific Parklands Foundation. The annual interest earned from the remaining $2.5 million of the bequest would be available for stewardship activities in regional parks. The GVRD Board also directed staff to work with the Pacific Parklands Foundation to develop program guidelines and procedures for GVRD Board approval, including terms of agreements or other mechanisms needed to transfer annual interest earned by the bequest. This report offers the framework for the Legacy Stewardship Program, including transfer of funds to the Pacific Parklands Foundation.
Legacy Stewardship Program Framework The philosophy behind the Legacy Stewardship Program framework is that a special gift, such as the George Ross bequest, should be used for purposes not typically funded by taxpayers and be leveraged. The Pacific Parklands Foundation was established in 2000 to raise funds for the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks system. The Foundation has a successful track record in leveraging funds. By providing administrative support and funding for a grant writer, the Foundation has helped raise almost $1.6 million for Catching the Spirit Youth Leadership Program since 2001. In addition, the
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Pacific Parklands Foundation has leveraged donations to help park associations achieve their financial needs for projects across the Regional Parks system.
It is proposed that the annual interest earned from the bequest legacy fund be dispensed to the Pacific Parklands Foundation for two programs where each program will leverage additional resources for use in regional parks: a) Two‐thirds of the funds, approximately $40,000 annually, will be available for the “Legacy Stewardship Grant” to support park partner stewardship projects within regional parks; and b) one‐third of the funds, approximately $20,000 annually, will be granted to and managed by the Pacific Parklands Foundation to leverage additional funds. The funds would be used to procure assistance with grant writing and to help develop a “Legacy Giving Program”. The goal over the three year term is to grow funding for stewardship projects that will equal or exceed the one‐third funding allocation. It is important to note that the Legacy Giving Program is a longer term investment strategy anticipated to attract additional funds eight to ten years in the future.
The proposed use of the legacy funds provides the Pacific Parklands Foundation with a reliable source of funds to actively engage park partners, enhance its profile and fundraising mandate for regional parks and the organizations grant giving role. The legacy fund principle is not touched and the interest is put to work, invested in leveraging additional funds and gifts.
The Legacy Stewardship Grant Structure The goal of the Legacy Stewardship Grant is to foster citizen engagement and stewardship ethics centered on the Regional Parks system through hands‐on, park partner‐driven projects that support regional park stewardship.
There will be two initial grant levels and one future optional category: Category 1: $2,500‐$5,000 Eligible applicants include unincorporated regional park partners including park associations. Must be completed 1 year from award. Category 2: $5,000‐$10,000 Eligible applicants include incorporated regional park partners including societies and park associations. Must be completed within 2 years of award. Category 3: *Future Option $1,000‐$2,500 Eligible applicants include all of the above and emerging park partners in ad hoc groups will be encouraged to become more organized to undertake small projects. Must be completed 3 years of award.
*A decision to implement this optional category would be delayed for two years at which point the success and operation of the grant will be fully assessed. This option could broaden citizen engagement in regional parks but its administration may be more challenging and risky due to the volume and unfamiliar applicants.
Key parameters of the grant program are: Activity must occur in Metro Vancouver Regional Parks or Greenways; Projects will be pre‐approved by Metro Vancouver regional park staff to ensure fit with park policy, site objectives and resources and the results are sustainable; Regional Parks Committee 11 George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Framework Regional Parks Committee Meeting: November 5, 2015 Page 3 of 4
Not funding research projects for scientific purposes only, studies, or ongoing activities or programs; Projects must be one‐off activities with a start and finish, work plan and timelines; Applicants don’t have to come with money but volunteers are expected; Applicants must identify maintenance requirements and how they can be addressed; and one grant per applicant group per year.
The application process: Will be a streamlined form and eventually on‐line; All applications will have been pre‐authorized by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks staff and the proponent invited to apply to the program; and a selection committee comprising of Pacific Parklands Foundation staff and Metro Vancouver Regional Parks staff, will annually allocate the available funds.
Pacific Parkland Foundation Agreement and Reporting A proposed three‐year Administration Agreement between the GVRD and the Pacific Parklands Foundation (Attachment) outlines the Legacy Stewardship Program fund utilization and reporting requirements. The Pacific Parklands Foundation will submit an annual report to Metro Vancouver outlining how grant funds were dispensed, how leveraged funds were utilized, and the results and outcomes of both streams.
The program results will also be evaluated after year three to see how the strategies and administration are performing. Indicators of success will include the number of different groups applying, the regional parks represented, number of completed projects and funds spent, environmental benefits (e.g. area planted), social benefits (e.g. number of citizens and different group participants), fiscal benefits (e.g. volunteer hours), applicant in‐kind or cash contributions, and Pacific Parklands Foundation leveraging results.
ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVRD Board: a) approve the Legacy Stewardship Program framework outlined in the report dated October 7, 2015 titled “George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Framework“; and b) authorize staff to enter into a George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Administration Agreement, between the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Pacific Parklands Foundation for a three‐year term from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, to dispense Legacy Reserve Fund interest earned since July 2013 to December 31, 2015, and for annual interest earned each year during the term of this agreement. 2. That the Regional Park Committee receive this report for information and provide alternate direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The uncommitted balance of the George Ross legacy fund ($2.5million) is anticipated to generate between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, which would be dispensed annually to the Pacific Parklands Foundation, a registered charity. Under this framework the principle is not touched, the annual interest is available to support stewardship activities and leverage additional funds and gifts. The Pacific Parklands Foundation goal under this program is to leverage the one‐third funding allocation to grow the amount of funding available for stewardship projects in regional parks and initiate the Regional Parks Committee 12 George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Framework Regional Parks Committee Meeting: November 5, 2015 Page 4 of 4
longer term Legacy Giving strategy. Once the program is set up, the ongoing administration will be handled by each party requiring no additional operating funds.
It is proposed, that if approved by the GVRD Board the first year of grant funding include all interest earned from July 2013 to December 31, 2015, approximately $121,000. The funding proposal remains at two‐thirds for Legacy Stewardship Grants and one‐third to Pacific Parklands Foundation.
OTHER IMPLICATIONS An agreement between the GVRD and the Pacific Parklands Foundation will be used to set out the fiscal management and reporting requirements for the Legacy Stewardship Program.
SUMMARY / CONCLUSION Alternative 1 is recommended to boost the profile and success of Metro Vancouver’s philanthropic arm for the Regional Parks system, the Pacific Parklands Foundation, and leverage the George Ross bequest. Through the Legacy Stewardship Grant, park partners and Park Associations have new opportunities to grow their capacity and fulfill their goals and aspirations. The program will promote the conservation mandate of the Regional Parks system and funded projects will improve the environmental quality of regional parks as well as foster a citizen stewardship ethos. The proposed program is low risk, adaptable and sustainable.
Staff recommend Alternative 1.
Attachment: (DOC 11891338) George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program Administration Agreement
11891338
Regional Parks Committee 13 5.1 Attachment
GEORGE ROSS LEGACY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made the ______day of ______, 2015
BETWEEN:
GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT 4330 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H 4G8
("GVRD")
AND:
PACIFIC PARKLANDS FOUNDATION 4330 Kingsway, 7th floor Burnaby, BC V5H 4G8
("PPF")
WHEREAS:
A. In July 2013, GVRD received a bequest from the estate of Mr. George Ross (the “Bequest”), to be used for regional parks purposes;
B. GVRD has established the George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program (the “Program”), under which annual interest earned from the Bequest (the “Funds”) will be used for stewardship activities in GVRD’s regional parks;
C. Section 176(1)(c) of the Local Government Act provides that GVRD may provide assistance for the purpose of benefitting the community or any aspect of the community;
D. PPF was established in January 2000 as a non‐profit society (S‐0042321) and charity (889353017 RR0001) with an independent Board of Directors and has a mission to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism, enrich communities, and protect valuable green space in GVRD regional parks; and
E. PPF has agreed to administer the Program according to the terms and conditions set out in this George Ross [Bequest] Legacy Stewardship Program Administration Agreement (the “Agreement”),
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NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES that in consideration of the premises, terms and conditions to be hereinafter contained (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties hereto covenant and agree each with the other as follows:
1.0 TERM
The term of this Agreement will commence on [January 1, 2016] and end on [December 31, 2018] (the “Term”) unless otherwise terminated as provided herein.
2.0 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
2.1 PPF will administer the Program, which consists of two separate parts:
(a) the Legacy Stewardship Grant, as detailed in Part 1 of the Schedule (the “Legacy Stewardship Grant”); and
(b) the leveraging by PPF of part of the Funds (the “PPF Grant”) for additional funding, as detailed in Part 2 of the Schedule.
2.2 PPF will use the Funds to administer the Program as set out in the Schedule and section 3.3 below.
2.3 PPF will, at GVRD’s written request, provide all access and information required to enable GVRD to evaluate PPF’s administration of the Program.
2.4 PPF will administer the Program and use the Funds subject to any applicable bylaws of GVRD and applicable legislation and regulations and in a manner consistent with any applicable guidelines provided by GVRD.
3.0 PAYMENT AND APPLICATION OF FUNDS
3.1 The parties acknowledge that as the Funds are comprised of annual interest earned from the Bequest, the amount of the Funds will vary from year to year.
3.2 To enable PPF to administer the Program, GVRD will pay the Funds by cheque to PPF by January 31 of each year of the Term.
3.3 Unless otherwise agreed in writing by GVRD, PPF will apply the Funds to the Program in the following proportions for each year of the Term:
(a) two‐thirds of the Funds to the Legacy Stewardship Grant; and
(b) one‐third of the Funds to the PPF Grant.
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4.0 REPORTING
PPF will present an annual report to GVRD on or before November 30 of each year of the Term. The annual report will include at a minimum:
(a) a summary of how the Legacy Stewardship Grant Funds were disbursed and how the PPF Grant Funds were used to leverage additional funding; and
(b) a brief narrative summary reviewing the goals and objectives of the Program and the results achieved for the year, including the challenges and significant issues addressed.
5.0 TAXES
It is PPF’s responsibility to determine whether or not it has to be registered for GST and/or PST purposes. The amount of funding provided in this Agreement includes any GST and/or PST which may be payable by GVRD. Any liability for GST and/or PST required in respect of this Agreement will be the responsibility of PPF.
6.0 SEPARATE FUNDS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The books of account of PPF will be kept in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practices.
7.0 RIGHT OF AUDIT
At any time, GVRD may give to PPF written notice that it desires its representative to examine the books of account of PPF, and PPF will produce for examination to such representative within ten days after receipt of such notice, its books of account, and the said representative will have a right of access to all records, documents, books, accounts and vouchers of PPF and will be entitled to require from the Directors and Officers of PPF such information and explanations as, in his/her opinion, may be necessary to enable the staff to report to the GVRD Board on the financial position of PPF.
8.0 TERMINATION
8.1 GVRD may terminate this Agreement immediately without notice to PPF if:
(a) PPF makes an assignment in bankruptcy or is declared bankrupt; or
(b) GVRD, in its sole discretion, determines that any of the Funds are being used in a manner contrary to the terms of this Agreement.
9.2 GVRD may terminate this Agreement upon giving one hundred and eighty (180) days written notice to PPF.
9.3 If GVRD terminates the Agreement for any reason, PPF will immediately return any Funds that have not been disbursed. PPF will provide a full accounting of all Funds not returned. Regional Parks Committee 16
9.4 PPF may terminate this Agreement upon giving thirty (30) days written notice to GVRD.
9.5 Upon termination by PPF, PPF will immediately return any Funds that have not been disbursed. PPF will provide a full accounting of all Funds not returned.
10.0 NOTICE
10.1 Any notice required to be given under this Agreement will be provided to the following:
To GVRD:
Mitch Sokalski Director, Regional Parks Metro Vancouver 4330 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H 4G8
To PPF:
Joe Hargitt, Executive Director Pacific Parklands Foundation 4330 Kingsway, 6th floor Burnaby, BC V5H 4G8
10.2 Unless otherwise specified herein, any notice required to be given under this Agreement by any party will be deemed to have been given if mailed by prepaid registered mail or delivered to the address of the other party set forth above or at such other address as the other party may from time to time direct in writing. Any such notice will be deemed to have been received if mailed, seventy‐two (72) hours after the time of mailing and if delivered, upon the date of delivery. If normal mail service is interrupted by strike, slow down, force majeure or other cause, then a notice sent by the impaired means of communication will not be deemed to be received until actually received, and the party sending the notice must utilize any other such services which have not been so interrupted or must deliver such notice in order to ensure prompt receipt thereof.
11.0 AUTHORIZATION
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, if any, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action of PPF, and this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of PPF enforceable against PPF in accordance with its terms and the persons signing this Agreement on PPF’s behalf are duly authorized to do so.
12.0 TIME
Time is of the essence in this Agreement.
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13.0 BINDING
In consideration of being paid the Funds, PPF agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and if PPF represents a group or organization, PPF agrees to inform all responsible persons associated with the group or organization of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
14.0 ASSIGNMENT
PPF may not assign this Agreement in whole or in part without the prior written consent of GVRD.
15.0 ENUREMENT
This Agreement will enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, administrators, executors, successors and permitted assignees.
16.0 RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES
No provision of this Agreement will be construed to create a partnership or joint venture relationship, an employer‐employee relationship, a landlord‐tenant, or a principal‐agent relationship.
17.0 WAIVER
The waiver by a party of any failure on the part of the other party to perform in accordance with any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement is not to be construed as a waiver of any future or continuing failure, whether similar or dissimilar.
18.0 AMENDMENTS
This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by the written agreement of the parties.
19.0 SCHEDULE
The Schedule to this Agreement forms part of this Agreement.
20.0 WHOLE AGREEMENT
The whole agreement between the parties regarding the Program is set forth in this document and no representations, warranties or conditions, express or implied, have been made other than those expressed.
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21.0 LANGUAGE
Wherever the singular, masculine and neuter are used throughout this Agreement, the same is to be construed as meaning the plural or the feminine or the body corporate or politic as the context so requires.
22.0 CUMULATIVE REMEDIES
No remedy under this Agreement is to be deemed exclusive but will, where possible, be cumulative with all other remedies at law or in equity.
23.0 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
This Agreement is to be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws applicable in the Province of British Columbia and the parties attorn to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of British Columbia.
24.0 COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts with the same effect as if both parties had signed the same document. Each counterpart will be deemed to be an original. All counterparts will be construed together and will constitute one and the same Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
For the GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL For PACIFIC PARKLANDS FOUNDATION DISTRICT
______Carol Mason, Chief Administrative Officer David Pohl, President
______Kevin O’Callaghan, Vice President
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SCHEDULE
GEORGE ROSS [BEQUEST] LEGACY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
PART 1: LEGACY STEWARDSHIP GRANT
The goal of the Legacy Stewardship Grant is to foster citizen engagement and stewardship ethics centered on the regional parks system through hands‐on, park partner‐driven projects that support regional park stewardship.
There are two initial grant levels and one future optional category:
Category 1: $2,500 up to $5,000 per grant Eligible applicants include unincorporated regional park partners including park associations. Must be completed within 1 year from award.
Category 2: $5,000 up to $10,000 per grant Eligible applicants include incorporated regional park partners including societies and park associations. Must be completed within 2 years of award.
Category 3: Future Option $1,000 up to $2,500 per grant Eligible applicants include those in Categories 1 and 2 above. In addition, emerging park partners and ad hoc groups will be encouraged to become more organized to undertake small projects. Must be completed within 3 years of award. This category could broaden citizen engagement in regional parks but its administration may be more challenging and risky due to the volume and unfamiliar applicants. On that basis, this category will not be implemented in the first two years of the Term, and its implementation is subject to prior review and agreement between PPF and GVRD.
Key parameters of the Legacy Stewardship Grant are:
Activity must occur in a GVRD regional park or greenway; Projects are subject to pre‐approval by GVRD regional park staff to ensure fit with park policy, site objectives and resources and the results are sustainable; Funds will not be used for research projects for scientific purposes only, or ongoing activities or programs; Projects must be one‐off activities with a start and finish, work plan and timelines; Applicants do not have to contribute money but volunteers are expected; Applicants must identify maintenance requirements and how they can be addressed; and One grant per applicant group per year.
The application process:
Will be a streamlined form and eventually on‐line; All applications are subject to pre‐authorization by GVRD regional park staff; and
Regional Parks Committee 20
A selection committee comprising of PPF staff and GVRD regional park staff will annually allocate the available funds.
PART 2: PPF GRANT
The PPF Grant will be granted to and managed by PPF to leverage additional funds for greater return for Stewardship projects and programs in GVRD regional parks.
In particular, the PPF Grant will be used to procure assistance with grant writing and to help develop a “Legacy Giving Program”, which is a longer term investment strategy anticipated to attract additional funds eight to ten years in the future.
11891338
Regional Parks Committee 21 5.2
To: Regional Parks Committee
From: Wendy DaDalt, Division Manager, East Area, Regional Parks
Date: October 8, 2015 Meeting Date: November 5, 2015
Subject: Campbell Valley Regional Park ‐ South Carvolth School Building Future
RECOMMENDATION That the GVRD Board approve the deconstruction of the South Carvolth School building in Campbell Valley Regional Park.
PURPOSE To update the Regional Parks Committee and GVRD Board on the status of the South Carvolth School in Campbell Valley Regional Park and obtain approval to deconstruct the building and fully integrate the site into the regional park.
BACKGROUND The 5.0 acre South Carvolth School property was acquired by Metro Vancouver from the Langley School District in July 2011, for $1,200,000. The zoning is P‐1 Civic Institutional and is in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The land value was estimated at $850,000 to $900,000, with the improvements at $300,000 to $350,000. The elementary school was permanently closed by the School District in 2006, and the building remained vacant until acquired for the regional park. Metro Vancouver had a long standing interest in the property and rented adjacent grassed parkland to the School District for its new playfield rather than see the natural forest at the back of the property cleared. When the GVRD Board approved purchase in 2011, staff was directed to return to the Parks Committee with recommendations for building use once options were tested.
An unsolicited inquiry in August 2011 to rent the school by Radicalus Montessori School (dba as Roots and Wings) for one year while their other facilities came on line was accommodated by Metro Vancouver. Radicalus paid market rent for the building and the hardened grounds and parking. During this rental period Regional Parks constructed the cycling/walking perimeter trail across the rest of the property. In November 2011, Radicalus submitted an unsolicited proposal for long‐term use of the property as a Montessori school and daycare with an environmental and sustainability focus.
To test broader interest and options, Metro Vancouver issued a Request for Expressions of Interest and Statements of Qualifications for the redevelopment and use of the South Carvolth School site in September 2012. Only Radicalus submitted a bid, which was not accepted. Instead, Metro Vancouver entered into two additional one‐year leases with Radicalus and then a final one‐year extension which ended on July 31, 2015.
During the rental period the parties undertook essential repairs and maintenance to comply with regulations and permit school use, including connecting to a new municipal water supply. With the end of the lease term approaching, staff commissioned an updated condition assessment in January 2015 to determine the feasibility of further rental. The assessment identified substantial maintenance items needing investment in zero to three years and health risks from molds rendering Regional Parks Committee 22 Campbell Valley Regional Park ‐ South Carvolth School Building Future Regional Parks Committee Meeting: November 5, 2015 Page 2 of 3
the building unsuitable for continued occupancy. Radicalus was advised that the building was not rentable. Fortunately they were able to secure a new home for their unique sustainability education programs nearby in Surrey for the 2015 school year.
The original school building was constructed in 1962, with additions in 1969, 1973, and 1976. There are five (5) classrooms, a library, a staff room, two (2) offices, a gym, and four (4) washrooms. Construction is part wood frame over crawl space, part concrete block and tar and gravel roof. The roof was replaced in 1990/92, with an estimated life expectancy of 20 years. The condition of the school was generally good when assessed in 2009, and the remaining building life was estimated to be 10 years plus with regular maintenance. The appraisal also stated that due to its size and age the improvements suffer a certain amount of functional obsolescence. A hazardous building material survey report found that the building contains asbestos, mercury in thermostats, mercury vapour in all fluorescent light tubes, lead paint, and mold in a few locations.
The updated condition assessment determined that the roof would need to be replaced in zero to one year (estimated cost $150,000 plus) and identified other defects as well as the presence of molds in several locations. A subsequent abatement study confirmed that the molds are present in occupied zones of the school and would require treatment and significant investments in the infrastructure to prevent reoccurrence.
The last Radicalus lease generated $47,400 gross annual rent and taxes were paid by the lessee with maintenance shared depending on the item. Over the four leased years the rental netted Metro Vancouver approximately $125,000. Upon review by GVRD economist it is estimated that rent would have to double over a long term lease (15 plus years) to amortize anticipated costs. For profit and exclusive leases raise policy and legal issues with the regional park purpose and accessibility of regional park land. A potentially compatible not‐for‐profit partner or licensee with resources did not arise from the Request for Qualifications process. Staff have confirmed with the Township of Langley and Langley School District that they have no interest in the building for their service needs.
ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVRD Board approve the deconstruction of the South Carvolth School building in Campbell Valley Regional Park. 2. That the Regional Parks Committee receive this report for information and provide alternate direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Metro Vancouver will experience a shortfall of $19,750 in the 2015 Operating Program due to the inability to rent the school for the second half of the year. The proposed 2016 budget does not include revenue from this facility in anticipation of approval to proceed with deconstruction. Deconstruction and site remediation costs of approximately $150,000 plus will be incurred. This expenditure can be funded from the existing Capital Development and Maintenance budget in 2015 and 2016.
OTHER IMPLICATIONS The school is not on the Township of Langley’s heritage inventory and deconstruction would not require vetting by the Heritage Advisory Committee. It would, however, be appropriate to notify the community of the GVRD Board’s decision to demolish the structure and engage the community in any creative opportunities to capture memories from the school.
Regional Parks Committee 23 Campbell Valley Regional Park ‐ South Carvolth School Building Future Regional Parks Committee Meeting: November 5, 2015 Page 3 of 3
From a sustainability perspective, the life cycle of the building has largely been exhausted. The deconstruction specifications will see to the separation and recycling of component materials. The building footprint can be either retained for immediate regional park use, such as overflow parking, or eventually be fully reclaimed pending future regional park plans.
SUMMARY / CONCLUSION When the South Carvolth Elementary School was permanently closed by the Langley School Board, Metro Vancouver was able to acquire the property and proceed with construction of the Campbell Valley Regional Park Perimeter Trail. An unsolicited inquiry from a Montessori school provided an unexpected opportunity to extend additional service from the school building and net up to $150,000 over a four‐year period. A recent condition assessment indicated that the building would have to be substantially upgraded and mold mitigated to continue occupancy. A capital investment of $200,000 to $400,000 would be required immediately followed by other maintenance expenditures with a 15‐ year plus amortization period at higher rent, to perpetuate a non‐park use and exclusive tenancy if a viable tenant was available. Alternative 1, to deconstruct the building is recommended to defer further risk, the land will then become available for regional park use.
Attachments: (DOC 12074853) 1. Campbell Valley Regional Park – South Carvolth School Locational Map 2. Campbell Valley Regional Park – South Carvolth School Photos
12074376
Regional Parks Committee 24 Locational Map 5.2 Attachment 1
Regional Parks Committee 25 5.2 Attachment 2
Campbell Valley Regional Park - South Carvolth School Photos
12074853
Regional Parks Committee 26 5.3
To: Regional Parks Committee
From: Wendy DaDalt, Division Manager, East Area, Regional Parks
Date: October 26, 2015 Meeting Date: November 5, 2015
Subject: Mining Lease Application for Sumas Mountain ‐ FVRD Electoral Area G ‐ Sumas Mountain Interregional Park
RECOMMENDATION That the GVRD Board write a letter to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, with copies to the City of Abbotsford and Fraser Valley Regional District, expressing opposition to the proposed mining lease application submitted by 266531 BC Ltd., as outlined in the report titled “Mining Lease Application for Sumas Mountain – FVRD Electoral Area G – Sumas Mountain Interregional Park”.
PURPOSE To advise the GVRD Board of a mining lease application by 266531 BC Ltd., for land within and adjacent to Sumas Mountain Interregional Park; and to obtain a current GVRD Board position for correspondence to the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
BACKGROUND Metro Vancouver received a referral notice from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, dated August 11, 2015 (Attachment 1), seeking comments or concerns related to potential impacts of a mining lease application on lands in Electoral Area G Sumas Mountain, within and adjacent to Sumas Mountain Interregional Park (Attachment 2).
This application follows a quarry proposal on the same lands by the same applicant in 2011. The 2011 application, which was brought to the attention of the Metro Vancouver Parks Committee at the time, prompted the GVRD Board to make the following resolution at the June 24, 2011, GVRD Board meeting:
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Metro Vancouver Board send a letter to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and to the Inspector of Mines, expressing opposition to the proposed lease to establish an aggregate and decorative rock quarry on Sumas Mountain by 266531 BC Ltd. CARRIED
Attachment 3 is the resulting letter from the GVRD Board meeting, June 24, 2011.
Further to the 2011 correspondence, a delegation of local government and First Nations, including Metro Vancouver representatives, met with the Honourable Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, to share their concerns. Metro Vancouver reiterated its opposition to the proposed 101.92 ha mining lease in a follow‐up letter to the Minister (Attachment 4). These concerns are even stronger today given the establishment of Sumas Mountain Interregional Park in 2013, and the progress of Experience the Fraser. Regional Parks Committee 27 Mining Lease Application for Sumas Mountain ‐ FVRD Electoral Area G ‐ Sumas Mountain Interregional Park Regional Parks Committee Meeting: November 5, 2015 Page 2 of 2
Regarding the current referral, staff have provided an interim response to the Ministry of Energy and Mines outlining the high environmental, cultural and recreational values in and around the subject area and concerns with a rock quarry. The previous correspondence conveying Metro Vancouver’s opposition to a lease was provided along with notice that staff would take forward a report to confirm the GVRD Board’s current position. The letter noted that, once available, the Board’s position would be conveyed to the Province.
ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVRD Board write a letter to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, with copies to the City of Abbotsford and Fraser Valley Regional District, expressing opposition to the proposed mining lease application submitted by 266531 BC Ltd., as outlined in the report titled “Mining Lease Application for Sumas Mountain – FVRD Electoral Area G – Sumas Mountain Interregional Park”. 2. That the Regional Parks Committee receive this report for information and provide alternate direction.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS This report does not impose financial obligations on the GVRD Board.
OTHER IMPLICATIONS Both the Fraser Valley Regional District and City of Abbotsford opposed the 2011 mining lease application for a proposed rock quarry. The Sumas First Nation and Sto:lo Nation also participated in the previous delegation to Minister Thomson. At its October 19, 2015 meeting, the City of Abbotsford Council passed a resolution to express the City’s opposition to the current lease application in a letter to the Province.
SUMMARY / CONCLUSION The mining lease application for an area within and adjacent to Sumas Mountain Interregional Park referred to Metro Vancouver by the Ministry of Energy and Mines in August 2015 raises serious concerns for the environmental and cultural values of the interregional park, as well as for the public’s use and enjoyment of the parklands and the trail corridor supporting Experience the Fraser. Alternative 1 is recommended to express Metro Vancouver’s opposition to mining lease application.
Attachments: (DOC 12167286) 1. Referral notice dated August 11, 2015, from the Ministry of Energy and Mines 2. 265531 BC Ltd – Mining Lease Application Locational Map 3. Correspondence dated June 24, 2011, to Kevin Walker, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations 4. Correspondence dated January 18, 2012, to The Hon. Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
12168089
Regional Parks Committee 28 5.3 Attachment 1 To: Information Centre Subject: Mining lease application 13880-02-632
To Whom it May Concern,
Re: Application for a Mining Lease, Event Number 5484130 Applicant: 266531 BC Ltd. Mineral Claims, Tenure Numbers 523888 and 1024042
I am writing regarding the above noted Application for a Mining Lease which has been received by the Office of the Chief Gold Commissioner. The mineral claims noted above have been included on the application for conversion to a mining lease.
I understand that you are a joint operator of Sumas Mountain Regional park and are therefore seeking your comments or concerns related to potential impacts this application may have from your agencies perspective. Information you provide will be considered when drafting terms and conditions for the mining lease indenture, or as possible exclusions from the proposed lease area.
Please note that the issuance of a mining lease does not confer the right to carry out any surface-disturbing activities in the lease area. If a mining lease were to be issued, the Ministry will consider comments and/or concerns related to any subsequently proposed development activities within the lease area through a separate referral on any permit applications related to those proposed activities.
Attached, please find the mining lease application, a map of the area of interest and an explanation of the administration of provincial mineral rights. The location of these claims is in the Chadsey Lake/Sumas Mountain Regional Park area in the Fraser Valley.
I would appreciate receiving your comments by September 11, 2015. If I have sent this to the wrong person, please forward to the correct person and/or notify myself of the error.
Please feel free to contact me at by email or at 604-660-2670 if you wish to discuss this application further.
Thank you,
R.honcCa!MarshaCt
Manager, Vancouver Mineral Titles Ministry of Energy and Mines 300-865 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2G3 Phone: 604-660-2670 Fax: 604-660-2653
Mineral Titles: www.MineralTitles.gov.bc.ca Mineral Titles Email: MineraI.TitIesgov.bc.ca Mineral Titles - Toll Free: 1-866-616-4999
MTO Information: www. MineralTitles.gov. bc. ca/mto/Pages/default.aspx MTO E-Service: www.mtonhine.gov. bc.ca/
2
Regional Parks Committee 29 5.3 Attachment 2
Subject Lease Application
Sumas Mountain Interregional Park
Sumas Mountain Interregional Park
Regional Parks Committee 30 5.3 Attachment 3
Regional Parks Committee 31 5.3 Attachment 4
Regional Parks Committee 32
5.4
To: Regional Parks Committee
From: Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment Department
Date: October 8, 2015 Meeting Date: November 5, 2015
Subject: Manager’s Report – Regional Parks
RECOMMENDATION That the Regional Parks Committee receive for information the report dated October 8, 2015, titled “Manager’s Report – Regional Parks”.
REGIONAL PARKS COMMITTEE 2015 WORK PLAN Attachment 1 to this report sets out the Committee’s Work Plan for 2015. The status of work program elements is indicated as pending, in progress, or complete. The listing is updated as needed to include new issues that arise, items requested by the Committee and changes in the schedule.
REGIONAL PARKS SERVICE REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN At the request of the Regional Parks Committee the Regional Parks Service Review Implementation Work Plan is provided as a reference for Committee members (Attachment 2). The Implementation Work Plan includes a summarized list of GVRD Board approved recommendations, implementation actions, priority ranking, status of work, and a draft work schedule for each of the actions. The Regional Parks Service Review Implementation Work Plan will be included in each Regional Park Committee agenda; staff will provide a verbal update on the status of work at each meeting.
METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL PARKS VISITS, VISITOR SERVICES & VOLUNTEERING BY THE NUMBERS 2015 SEMI‐ANNUAL REPORT UPDATE A visitor use report (Attachment 3) is provided annually to the Regional Parks Committee describing public use of regional parks, information on volunteering activities and visitor services’ accomplishments. Due to requests, this semi‐annual report has been developed and is provided for information. A completed 2015 report will be presented to the Regional Parks Committee in Spring 2016
For the first eight months of the year Metro Vancouver experienced warmer than average temperatures along with significantly lower than anticipated rainfall. As a result, we observed over 8.4 million estimated visits to regional parks (almost 8% growth over prior years) for the first two reporting trimesters and established visit records in each of the first six months of 2015. While data on volunteering isn’t available at this time, we observed on the Visitor Services Program that demand for each class of facility rose to a 31% increase in overall bookings. Demand for picnic shelters grew the most with 55% more people using these facilities between January and August; overall this equated to over 100,000 residents enjoying Metro Vancouver’s regional parks bookable facilities, an 11% increase over last year.
PACIFIC SPIRIT REGIONAL PARK ‐ SALISH TRAIL Earlier this year a 600 metre section of Salish Trail connecting to Marine Drive in the southeast corner of Pacific Spirit Regional Park was closed after a bridge over Musqueam Creek was damaged by a windstorm. Since that time, staff have been working on a strategy for regional park resource protection, ecological enhancements, and trail connectivity in the area around the closed trail which includes environmentally Regional Parks Committee 33 Manager’s Report – Regional Parks Regional Parks Committee Meeting: November 5, 2015 Page 2 of 5 sensitive habitat. A temporary bypass along existing adjacent trails was establish for Salish Trail users. The Musqueam Indian Band has indicated their support for further protection measures for the creek and the forested area surrounding it.
The strategy, to be completed this fall, will include removal of invasive plant species and realignment of the Salish Trail further away from the creek in order to better protect it while maintaining trail connectivity. It is anticipated that the invasive plant removal and trail re‐alignment work will begin in late 2015 and extend into 2016. There is extensive restoration work required and volunteer opportunities for invasive species removal and native planting. Staff have responded to a number of public inquiries on the trail closure over the summer. Regular project updates will be posted at the regional park site and website as the strategy is finalized and implementation moves forward.
CUMBERLAND POINT AND SAPPERTON PUMP STATION Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and Liquid Waste Services staff has completed a public engagement process for two properties along the Brunette River Greenway: Cumberland Point and the Sapperton Pump Station site. The new Sapperton Pump Station leverages an essential infrastructure upgrade to create new public green space with washrooms and parking, expand the Brunette Fraser Greenway, and restore valuable habitat. Cumberland Point will provide picnicking, access to the river for fishing and nature viewing as well as additional riparian enhancements. The public engagement process consisted of several events, including meeting with the McBride Sapperton Residents Association, staffing a booth at the New Westminster’s Riverfest event, presenting to New Westminster’s Park and Recreation Commission, and hosting an open house at the New Westminster Quay. There will also be opportunities to review information materials and provide feedback online. All feedback is currently being reviewed and summarized.
The next steps are to complete the development permit process for the Sapperton Pump Station with the City of New Westminster. Construction is expected to start in late 2016. The concept options for Cumberland Point will be refined into one design and further feasibility testing undertaken. This work is currently anticipated in 2017.
SURREY BEND REGIONAL PARK The day use area at Surrey Bend Regional Park is currently under construction and is expected to be complete before the end of the year. Once the trails, picnic areas, and nature play elements are complete, the park will be open for public use. An official opening of the park is being planned in conjunction with the City of Surrey, our project partners, and likely take place in April 2016. An official announcement will be shared with the Committee once a date is set and program is established. The new facilities will make Surrey Bend Regional Park an important node for Experience the Fraser.
RIVERSHED SOCIETY OF BC’S 2015 FRASERFEST INITIATIVE The Rivershed Society of BC held its first FraserFEST three‐week event celebrating the Fraser River from September 7th to 28th, drawing attention to sustainability issues. Metro Vancouver provided a cash contribution of $5,000 for the initiative and in‐kind support toward the organization and delivery of several local elements. Regional Parks utilized Derby Reach, Pacific Spirit, and Colony Farm Regional Parks, the Pitt River and Brunette‐Fraser Regional Greenways for the trail activities. The Coquitlam Community Festival was held at the Colony Farm Regional Park day‐use area on September 20th.
Regional Parks Committee 34 Manager’s Report – Regional Parks Regional Parks Committee Meeting: November 5, 2015 Page 3 of 5
Staff were asked to provide the Regional Parks Committee with a summary of in‐kind costs. Metro Vancouver’s in‐kind contributions to FraserFEST included waiving the special event fee of approximately $260, preparing and supporting the festival venue at Colony Farm Regional Park (no fee associated with this site), operations planning, and implementation staff support, amounting to approximately $1,200. Metro Vancouver also provided a staffed interactive information booth on regional parks and Experience the Fraser at Colony Farm Regional Park and the New Westminster community festivals to promote its own programs. The event has evolved from the original concept of a swim relay from Mount Robson to the Salish Sea with a series of large and small community festivals along the route, to a raft and canoe water journey for segments of the Fraser River and key festivals. In the Lower Mainland cycling and walking along sections of the Experience the Fraser Canyon to Coast Trail were added in conjunction with Trails BC.
The event faced start‐up challenges that cancelled the swim relay component and reduced the number of community festivals. Although bad weather conditions affected participation at Colony Farm Regional Park and New Westminster, a lot of excitement and awareness was still generated in communities and high quality educational entertainment and recreation was offered. The final gathering on River’s Day at Whey‐ ah‐wichen (Cates Park) where eight large canoes, 10 cyclists, four swimmers and hundreds of people merged with the Salish Sea Gathering, hosted by the Tsleil‐Waututh Nation, illustrates the collaborative vision and potential of FraserFEST.
METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL PARKS SEPTEMBER 2015 PUBLIC PROGRAMS SUMMARY September was one of the busiest months of the year for events and programs. In addition to regular group programming, regional park staff, park partners, and volunteers collaborated delivering 13 public programs to 2529 people, plus five events to 6346 people. There was a variety of engaging and dynamic programs allowing a total of 9163 participants the opportunity to connect with and learn about our regional parks.
The following summaries highlight five September events and programs held in Metro Vancouver’s regional parks.
Capilano River Regional Park – Music in the Park September 7th Metro Vancouver, in collaboration with the North Vancouver Community Arts Council, presented the fourth annual Music in the Park at Capilano River Regional Park on September 7th. There were 642 children and 1827 adults, for a total of 2469 participants, and eight volunteers contributed 38 hours to help make the event a success. This event had a 30% increase in participation over 2014. There was a lovely welcoming ceremony, by Rebecca Duncan of the Squamish first nation. The children’s area was bustling with face painters, hula hoopers, and a large arts and crafts station. The Park Interpreters had a popular booth where children played a matching game and learned about some of the local animals in the park. There were 12 artists displaying their wares and performing live demonstrations. Five very talented bands performed providing a great flow for the day. The main stage used green electricity powered by solar panels and the pedal power of audience members on the four bicycles located next to the main stage.
Regional Parks Committee 35 Manager’s Report – Regional Parks Regional Parks Committee Meeting: November 5, 2015 Page 4 of 5
Capilano River Regional Park – Coho Walk September 13th The weather was overcast and threatening to rain, and Capilano Road was undergoing major construction with road detours, yet over 1,000 people attended the Coho Walk to celebrate the return of spawning Salmon. Most attendees hiked the shorter route and took advantage of the shuttle between Park Royal and the Cleveland Dam. Some attendees hiked the whole 8.5 km trail down to the Coho Festival at Ambleside Park. Park Interpreters were busy at the hatchery teaching people all about Salmon. This year there was a $2 admission charge, unlike previous years, where the cost of the shuttle and the passport were by donation. All funds raised went to the Coho Society to help with Salmon enhancement projects.
Campbell Valley Regional Park ‐ Country Celebration September 19th & 20th Despite two days of rain and extreme winds, approximately 2,500 people braved the elements and attended this popular family event. People loved the new giant hay bale maze and the four interpretive stations inside. There were games, crafts, face painting, children’s performers Bobs and Lolo, and roving stilt walkers to entertain the children, along with great food, shopping, and music on the main stage to please the adults. Many community groups came together and participated in the event. The Bison in the red barn was a huge hit and everyone loved interacting with the other animals onsite: chickens, ducks, a Shetland Pony, a cow and her calf, and alpacas. The horse drawn wagon rides were very popular as well.
Colony Farm Regional Park ‐ Lunar Eclipse Event September 27th Regional Parks hosted this rare super moon astronomical event for local area scouts. There were 77 youths and 92 adults that attended, including other visitors who were in the park to view the eclipse. There were four event volunteers plus six more from the Royals Astronomical Society of Canada.
Kanaka Creek Regional Park ‐ Kanaka Connections World Rivers Day September 27th Co‐hosted by the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS) and Metro Vancouver, approximately 200 people attended this event. The voyageur canoe rides were a huge hit. The voyageur canoes, personal floatation devices, and paddles were generously provided by the Fort Langley Canoe Club. At the Metro Vancouver tent, children made their own river animal track casts out of plaster.
METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL PARKS – 2015 ECOBLITZ HIGHLIGHTS A staff presentation on the 2015 Ecoblitz stewardship activities that occurred across several Metro Vancouver Regional Parks October 17 to 25.
METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL PARKS ‐ PROPERTY INVENTORY ATLAS A staff presentation on the mapping application used to illustrate Metro Vancouver’s regional park holdings and municipal/provincial parks within close proximity.
Regional Parks Committee 36 Manager’s Report – Regional Parks Regional Parks Committee Meeting: November 5, 2015 Page 5 of 5
Attachments: 1. Regional Parks Committee 2015 Work Plan (DOC 12032136) 2. Park Service Review Implementation Workplan – October 7, 2015 (DOC 12030548) 3. Visits, Visitor Services & Volunteering by the Numbers ‐ 2015 January to August Summary (DOC 12030548) 4. Regional Parks & Greenways, Municipal and Provincial Parks & Protected Areas Map (DOC 12030548)
12032136
Regional Parks Committee 37
5.4 Attachment 1 ‐ Regional Parks 2015 Work Plan Report Date: October 8, 2015
Priorities 1st Quarter Status Regional Parks Service Review Implementation Plan Development, early actions: develop Land Acquisition strategy and funding model, confirm park classifications, Complete develop 10 year capital Plan, and policy development Complete the North Arm Extension addendum to the Experience the Fraser In process Concept Plan and obtain Board approval Explore and report back to Committee on possible options for a pedestrian only Complete Sheep Paddocks trail in Colony Farm Regional Park 2nd Quarter Implement solid waste management improvements for garbage, dog waste, recyclables and organics to meet Zero Waste targets; complete solid waste In process handling plans for each park site
Contingent on land transfers commence field operations at the Delta Nature In process Reserve Respond to invitation from Parks Canada on development of an operations and In process management plan for the Admiralty Point lands 3rd Quarter Complete construction of Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre and hold Pending opening ceremony 4th Quarter Resume work on Regional Parks Master Plan Pending Complete construction of the Surrey Bend Regional Park facilities and hold In process opening ceremony Commence construction of the Colony Farm Regional Park Multi‐use Sheep Pending Paddocks Trail; complete in 2016 Assemble and develop technical information required for Regional Park Management Planning, activities specific to the Widgeon Marsh Regional Park In process Reserve
Review 2016 Regional Parks Program Budget Complete
10232136
Regional Parks Committee 38 SERVICE REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN – October 7, 2015 5.4 Attachment 2 WORKPLAN / SCHEDULE SERVICE WORK SERVICE REVIEW REPORT IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITY STATUS JAN‐ APR‐ JUL‐ OCT‐ JAN‐ APR‐ JUL‐ OCT‐ REVIEW PACKAGE RECOMMENDATION ACTIONS LEVEL MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC RECOMEN‐ (PARAPHRASED) DATION # (FEB 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 COMMITTEE RPT) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 1,2 Regional 1. Update mandate & purpose Update statements: High In progress Feb. Park Plan statements purpose of service in Report Update RPP 22 2. Programming limited to Amend service High In Progress interpretation & stewardship purpose statements to reflect nature based programming & develop policy to guide programming
6,7 Policy 1. Conservation & agricultural Research & report to High Complete Referred Developme land purchase constraints Board on constraints By Committ nt clarification related to Agriculture ee to Research & Conservation land Land acquisition Acq. Strategy 3,10 2. Develop Park Classification; Implement High Pending add development level/type & classification from include can/can’t occur report, determine associated zoning & development; include in Land Acquisition Strategy 20 3. Role of Regional Parks in Develop policy for Medium Complete Board Board Task promoting local Agriculture Board approval adopted adopted Moved July 31 July 31 up
17 4.1 Establish Medium Complete Municipal Advisory Group 4. Develop local jurisdiction 4.2 Create policy Medium Pending consultation policy listing items & activities for consultation 5. Decline requests to transfer Pending 5 Board to respond if No Added to responsibility for local parks to requested Current Land MV & financial contributions to Action Acquisitio develop or operate ‐n Strategy
Page 1 of 3 11090005 Regional Parks Committee 39 SERVICE REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN – October 7, 2015 5.3 Attachment 2 WORKPLAN / SCHEDULE SERVICE WORK SERVICE REVIEW REPORT IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITY STATUS JAN‐ APR‐ JUL‐ OCT‐ JAN‐ APR‐ JUL‐ OCT‐ REVIEW PACKAGE RECOMMENDATION ACTIONS LEVEL MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC RECOMEN‐ (PARAPHRASED) DATION # (FEB 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 COMMITTEE RPT) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 6 Parkland 1.1 Develop LAS High Pending RFQ RFP Acquisition Framework + Criteria Strategy 1.2 Develop LAS High Pending 2017 developme 1. Develop formal parkland Catalogue of sites nt acquisition strategy (LAS) 1.3 Develop interim High Complete approach to land Board acquisition until new June 12 LAS adopted 21 2.Consider Local Park Create municipal High In progress Compile Inventories & acquisition efforts inventories & for RFP in LAS development acquisition efforts 4 3.Develop policies with Develop policy on Medium Pending conditions & criteria to assess potential transfers as transfers of regional parklands part of LAS to local jurisdictions 8 4.Bring revised annual Include in LAS for High Pending contribution amount to Board; 2016 Board consideration Budget 10 year implementation span 9 5. Publicize /explain LAS & Incorporate High Pending financial support once approved consultation & 2017 communication of results in LAS process
11 Capital 1. Create 10 year capital plan & Create 10 year capital Medium Pending Develop‐ relate improvements to each plan ment park 12 Planning 2. Historic Building Retention Develop policy & Low Pending policy program 13 3.Board to encourage No current action. No Pending partnerships to fund Staff to act Current development with conditions consistently as Action opportunity occurs 14 4. ID cost of development ID cost in 10 yr capital Medium Pending including geographic plan & include geo distribution distribution of development expenditures
Page 2 of 3 11090005 Regional Parks Committee 40 SERVICE REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN – October 7, 2015 WORKPLAN / SCHEDULE SERVICE WORK SERVICE REVIEW REPORT IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITY STATUS JAN‐ APR‐ JUL‐ OCT‐ JAN‐ APR‐ JUL‐ OCT‐ REVIEW PACKAGE RECOMMENDATION ACTIONS LEVEL MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC RECOMEN‐ (PARAPHRASED) DATION # (FEB 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 COMMITTEE RPT) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
15 Service 1.Board endorsement of basic Board endorsed Low Complete Operating features of existing operating Model model 16 2. Assess opportunities for Assess as opportunity Medium In Progress contracting out occurs 23 3.Explore opportunities for Explore with Low In Progress municipal delivery of rec Municipal Advisory programs in regional parks Group /other discussions
18 Burnaby 1.Acknowledge Burnaby’s desire Board acknowledged High Complete Lake to return BLRP to municipality through endorsement Regional of recommendation 19 Parkland 2.Initiate discussions with Continue discussions High In Progress transfer Burnaby to facilitate transfer with Burnaby about transfer or BLRP
Page 3 of 3 11090005 Regional Parks Committee 41 5.4 Attachment 3
METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL PARKS Visits, Visitor Services & Volunteering by the Numbers 2015 JANUARY TO AUGUST SUMMARY
Regional Parks Committee 42
Contents 1.0 Visitation ...... 3
1.1 System Visitation ...... 3
1.2 Visitation by Park ...... 4
2.0 Visitor Services ...... 5
2.1 Events & Programs ...... 5
2.2 Bookable Facilities ...... 6
3.0 Volunteering ...... 8
4.0 Weather ...... 8
4.1 Seasonal Weather Patterns ...... 8
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Regional Parks Committee 43
1.0 Visitation 1.1 System Visitation
Highlights Over 8.4 million estimated visits to regional parks by the end of August 2015 equates to nearly 8% growth. Visit records were established for each month in the first six months of 2015. January to April visits rose 15% from 2014, with May to Aug visits increasing 3%. On average, 35,000 users visit the system daily – July hosted over 40,000 each day.
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Regional Parks Committee 44 1.2 Visitation by Park
Highlights Twenty of the twenty‐five monitored parks and greenways experienced increases in visitor use. Half of the parks experienced growth rates greater than 10%. Combined the four greenways attracted over 325,000 visitors. Pacific Spirit Regional Park hosted over 1.65 million visits through the first eight months of 2015 – that is 7,000 per day.
Parks with significant increases: Derby Reach 34% Matsqui Trail 22% Colony Farm 19% Pitt River Greenway 18% Belcarra 15% Surrey Bend 137%
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Regional Parks Committee 45 2.0 Visitor Services 2.1 Events & Programs
In the first six months of 2015 Metro Vancouver Regional Parks’ staff delivered 415 interpretive programs and special events in 19 regional parks to school children, adults and families.
Highlights In the first half of 2015 Metro Vancouver Regional Parks’ staff delivered 415 public and group programs, an increase of 40% over the same period last year. Notable increases occurred in the number of school/community group programs and visitor centre/nature house activities, 54% and 56% respectively. In 2014, school labour disruptions accounted for approximately 100 group program cancelations. This year’s figures are thought to be a more representative level of engagement. The statistics indicate that the visitor center at Campbell Valley Regional Park has witnessed a significant increase in both visitor attendance and activities offered. This may be as a result of an increase in the public profile of the facility with the implementation of new interactive exhibits along with the offering of crafts and themed days. Public attendance to public and group programs rose by 24% or just over 5,700 people.
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Regional Parks Committee 46 2.2 Bookable Facilities Metro Vancouver Regional Parks operates a wide variety of facilities which families and community groups can reserve for their special purposes. Ranging from short‐term building rentals to overnight opportunities, these park amenities play host to weddings, charity events and large family or staff picnics. Many other opportunities are also available. A summary of these facilities are listed below:
Buildings – 5 Individual & Group Camping Locations– 13 Picnic Shelters – 12 Open Spaces & Trails – 20+
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Regional Parks Committee 47 Highlights Demand for each class of facility rose, amounting to a 31% increase in overall bookings. Bookings for Open Spaces / Trails grew the most 99%, with Camping sites next 28%. Over 1,200 reservations were made between January & August with 271 in June alone. Campbell Valley Regional Park facilities attracted the most groups with 222, while Boundary Bay Regional Park at 163, and Capilano River Regional Park at 129 hosted the second and third most groups.
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Regional Parks Committee 48 Over 100,000 residents used Metro Vancouver regional parks booked facilities, an 11% increase. Demand for picnic shelters grew the most, with 55% more people using these facilities between January and August. Campbell Valley Regional Park’s McLean Pond remains popular, hosting nearly 3,000 guests through May – August. Average group size for camping facilities declined slightly.
3.0 Volunteering Complete data submissions are not available for the January to August reporting period covered by this semi‐ annual summary. Total volunteer contributions will be provided in the annual report released early spring 2016. 4.0 Weather 4.1 Seasonal Weather Patterns
A major factor which influences visitation is seasonal weather conditions. This year the region continued to experience warmer than average temperatures through the first 2/3rds of the year along with significantly lower than anticipated rainfall.
Highlights Both in spring (Jan – Apr) and summer (May‐Aug) trimesters average temperatures increased when compared to previous years. Overall precipitation levels were significantly lower from June to August and ‘Days with Precipitation’ were significantly lower as well. The spring trimester experienced 5% more sunshine while the summer trimester experienced 13.5% more as compared to 2014.
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Regional Parks Committee 49 Regional Parks & Greenways, Municipal and Provincial Parks & Protected Areas
Regional 5.4 Attachment 4 Parks 14,452 ha Greenways
Watersheds - - *
Municipal Parks 12,622 ha
Seymour Lions Bay Indian Arm Pinecone / Burke Watershed Provincial Provincial Provincial Park Park Parks & Ecological 39,853 ha Capilano Golden Ears Reserves
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Watershed Provincial Park !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! Mt. !!!!!!!! Wildlife Managment Areas - - * ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! e Lynn Seymour k a Coquitlam L Headwaters Provincial t Crippen Cypress Park Watershed t Pi Institutional Sites 5,078 ha Provincial Lower Park Seymour Bowen Island Conservation Federal Sites 381 ha Reserve Thwaytes West Landing Bowen Island Apodaca Vancouver Widgeon Marsh Ecological Capilano Seymour TOTAL 72,387 ha River River Reserve *Watersheds & WMAs not factored into summary calculations Greenway Pitt‐Addington e North k Marsh a - part of Fraser River Delta RAMSAR Site #243 North L e Vancouver tt Vancouver Belcarra Anmore e City u * UBC lo District Belcarra A April 2015 Research Minnekhada Forest Port Moody Codd Burnaby Port Pacific Spirit Wetland Coquitlam Coquitlam Electoral Burnaby Pitt Blaney Lake North Bog Area A Vancouver Brunette‐ Colony Meadows BCIT Alouette Fraser Farm Woodlot Greenway Maple Ridge Iona Beach Greenway Pitt er River Greenway ew st Fraser River N in tm Islands es W Surrey Kanaka Barnston Bend Derby Creek Strait of Island Reach Georgia Sturgeon Brae r Island Bank e Tynehead Richmond Fraser River Glen Islands Fraser Riv * Delta Nature Valley Reserve Surrey Matsqui Burns Bog Trail Deas Island Delta AlaksenNt'l * Langley South Arm Wildlife Area South Surrey Marshes City * Greenway Sumas * Serpentine Abbotsford Mountain Delta Fen Roberts * Langley Bank Township
Tsawwassen ¯ First Nation Boundary Campbell 05102.5 Kilometers Boundary Bay White Valley 12030548 Bay * Rock Aldergrove Regional Parks Committee 50 6.1
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks SUMMARY OF EVENTS November 2015 ‐ January 2016
UPCOMING EVENTS
01 Nov Creative Café Minnekhada
07 Nov Mason Bees Burnaby Lake
14 Nov Mobbings & Murders: The Nature of Crows Burnaby Lake
06 Dec Christmas at Burnaby Lake Nature House Burnaby Lake
06 Dec Christmas Bird Count for Kids Burnaby Lake
06 Dec Christmas Carol Sing‐a‐long Minnekhada
06 Dec Santa come to Cammidge House Boundary Bay
09 Dec Casual Bird Walk Boundary Bay
17 Jan Nest Box Program Burnaby Lake
24 Jan Nest Box Program Burnaby Lake
*Note: This page links to the Metro Vancouver website. Events may have been updated since this page was created.
Regional Parks Committee 51 6.2 Leslie Calvert
Subject: FW: Minnekada Park
From: Mitch Sokalski Sent: Monday, October 19, 2015 8:33 AM To: 'Philip Warburton' Cc: Melanie Taylor; Jamie Vala Subject: RE: Minnekada Park
Dear Mr. Warburton:
Thank you for your recent emails regarding public access to Minnekhada Regional Park. I understand that your concerns are specific is the interim summertime closure of the park gate and single lane paved access road leading into Minnekhada Regional Park and Lodge. To confirm, the interim closure of the road is due to the movement of black bear through the park to the nearby blueberry fields and the subsequent road blockage caused by park visitors who stop to view the bears, and at times abandon their vehicles, resulting in significant operational and safety concerns for park visitors. I have asked staff to re‐examine how we have been managing the interim road closures with the goal to develop a management strategy that would meet both visitor needs, public safety, and the parks operational requirements. Our goal is to examine options and implement a management strategy prior to summer 2016 in time for when the bears return.
Please note that your email and my response will be submitted to the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Committee for information.
Thank you for your ongoing interest in Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.
Sincerely
Mitch Sokalski Director, Regional Parks Planning, Policy and Environment t. 604.432.6355 metrovancouver SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS FOR A LIVABLE REGION
From: Philip Warburton Sent: Friday, October 16, 2015 8:29 AM To: Mitch Sokalski Subject: Fwd: Minnekada Park
Please note that I have sent this to Heather Deal and Darrell Penner as well. I trust the board will receive this for discussion of the concern.
There appears to be no email to the board as a whole.
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Regional Parks Committee 52 Philip Warburton
Begin forwarded message:
From: Information Centre
Good morning Mr. Warburton,
Thank you for your email. I have forwarded it to the appropriate contact within Metro Vancouver for attention.
Please contact us again if you have any further questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Terri
Terri Upton Customer Service Representative, Board & Information Services Legal & Legislative Services t. 604‐432‐6200 f. 604‐436‐6901 metrovancouver SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS FOR A LIVABLE REGION
From: Philip Warburton Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2015 8:24 PM To: Information Centre Subject: Minnekada Park
Please forward this email to the Regional Park Board. It is best read bottom to top.
Thank you
Philip Warburton
*******************************
I apologize for taking so long to acknowledge your response. I have been very pre-occupied with work, but by no means does this diminish my interest in this particular issue, and I thank you for your response.
Whilst I understand that the single lane road into the park and leading to the lodge is somewhat unique amongst the Regional Parks, I am afraid I still take issue with the fact that no plan of
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Regional Parks Committee 53 action has been devised. Frankly I believe that after 5 years and closing the road most of those years during peak bear visibility time and being close to the public on the single track road, that a plan of action as not been proposed to keep non-event guests out of the area. Whilst my ‘quick and easy’ proposal may not be a definitive plan, I do think it is jump off point for a conversation amongst the hierarchy of directors/managers of the park system, specifically with this unique situation at Minnekhada.
The fact that a park, close to Burke Mountain, that is well known for bears in the region why would a plan not be in place 5 years on?
The newspaper article (attached) that told the story of the bear trap being placed up by the lodge this summer because of the parties at the lodge and a bear hanging out should be motive enough to fix the situation. A bear trap in a park where bears live…??? Because nothing was done to help the situation?
Really? That’s embarrassing and should be a direct call to action to fix the issue. And not fixed by a bear getting killed in it’s home territory.
Let’s see and hear of a plan for 2016 to fix this particular issue at the park. There are plenty of issues for PoCo and Coquitlam to fix with regard to bear issues and the management of garbage within those areas, including enforcement of bylaws. Let's fix this one in a park in Coquitlam
Philip Warburton
3 12109233 Regional Parks Committee 54