VANCOUVER Mayor Ken Sim on Thursday introduced the Park Board Transition Working Group, tasked with overseeing the transition in managing Vancouver’s parks and recreation. This follows a recent motion at the end of 2023, requesting the Provincial government to dissolve the elected Park Board.
“This step is long overdue,” said Sim. “The current system is broken, and no amount of tweaking will fix it. Bringing parks and recreation under the direct oversight of City Council aligns us with how it’s done in every other city in the country.”
Sim announced the following members of the Park Board Transition Working Group, each connected to Vancouver’s parks and recreation:
- Catherine Evans, former Park Board Commissioner for Vision Vancouver
- Jordan Nijjar, soccer coach and leader in the South Asian community
- Shauna Wilton, former Deputy Park Board GM and Interim Park Board GM
- Jennifer Wood, Director of BC Diving
- Gregor Young, Executive Director of Vancouver United Football Club
“The working group members announced today bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, ensuring a smooth transition,” said Sim. “This change is about managing these spaces more effectively, not compromising them. It’s about prioritizing the needs of all Vancouverites and ensuring our parks and recreation facilities can serve our community to their fullest potential.”
In a collaborative effort, First Nations have been actively engaged in the transition process. The Musqueam Indian Band has officially conveyed their endorsement through a formal letter of support.
The Park Board Transition Working Group will operate within the framework of their terms of reference, guiding their efforts and outlining the overarching objectives.
Sim said: “I am excited for this next phase and continuing to work with our provincial partners to ensure a brighter future for Vancouver and our parks.”
