Plaza and Parklet Street Cleaning Grant

Motion 11 · Council Meeting, June 27, 2023

On Consent

Summary

Council is asked to approve a $180,000 grant to Mission Possible Compassionate Ministries Society (MP Maintenance) to expand the 2023 Plaza and Parklet micro-cleaning pilot program across Vancouver's public spaces.
This funding supplements $284,150 already approved in February 2023 for the same program, bringing the total plaza and parklet micro-cleaning investment to $464,150 for 2023.
The expanded grant will increase service levels including daily litter and needle collection, seasonal powerwashing, additional leaf removal, and maintenance of new plazas and parklets added in 2023.
The program currently covers 26 plazas and public spaces and three social service parklets outside the Downtown Eastside, with micro-cleaning performed on foot using hand tools — work that is outside the scope of City crews.
Beyond cleanliness, the grant supports low-barrier employment and life skills training for DTES residents facing employment barriers, aligning with Council priorities around poverty reduction and inclusivity.
Mission Possible was selected to receive the additional funds as the existing grant recipient already delivering this service; funding is confirmed as available from the approved 2023 Plaza Management operating budget.