← Park Board Meeting May 25, 2026
speakers today so if any items wish to be moved on consent you may hi can you guys hear me hello yes we can okay
Welcome. We will now convene the Park Board Committee meeting. May we have a roll call, please?
Commissioner Jensen is in the chair. Commissioner Bastiowanski.
Commissioner Christensen. Present. Commissioner Digby.
Commissioner Hare. Present. Commissioner Howard is not online or in the room. And Commissioner Jensen, oh sorry, Commissioner Jensen is in the chair. And Commissioner Verity.
Thank you so much.
I acknowledge that our meeting is taking place on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and TTsleil-Waututh First Nations. We meet on this land respectfully and with honour to each other, the land and the communities we serve. I would invite you to join me in committing to actions of reconciliation in our deliberations and the decisions we make.
Before we move on to our first order of business, I have a few procedural items to review. As our meetings are recorded and live web streamed, I would like to remind commissioners and presenters to speak clearly into their microphones. As well, there are cameras in the room and at times may capture Rick sitting in the gallery. Also, we have a code of conduct that we ask all present to follow to ensure we maintain a respectful workplace.
Next up is the approval of minutes for the Park Board Committee meeting held on Monday, May 4th, 2026. Are there any questions or comments on the minutes as distributed?
Seeing none, we need a motion to approve the minutes. I see Commissioner Digby. I'll need a seconder. Seconded by Commissioner Basio-Vansky. I will now call a vote by a show of hands. All in favour?
It passes unanimously. Two hands on the wheel.
Do any commissioners have announcements to note?
Seeing none.
Does the clerk have any correspondence of note?
Yes, the following is a summary of correspondence sent to the commissioners related to the topics on the Park Board meeting agendas. This report only reflects communications received between May 19th and May 25th, 2026, up until 3 p.m., via the Contact the Park Board Commissioners web form. All communications sent through these means have been shared with commissioners.
Oh, this is actually for the board meeting, but I'm going to read it now because I've already started.
In regards to the motion titled Recognition of Jim Clive and Howard Kelsey, there was eight letters of support. It's all. Thank you.
Thank you. Agenda item one. We have approved on consent.
We have one staff report titled Bart on the Beach, new multi-year agreement framework for a main festival site at Vanier Park. It was introduced by Director Brody, Business Services.
Okay.
Okay. We have one item to move on consent.
All in favour?
Thank you. Passed unanimously. Thank you. All right, there we go.
And that's it.
As there are no further business, this meeting is now adjourned. We will take a two-minute recess before starting the regular board meeting.
Good job.
Yeah, I was about to say, good thing Laura phoned that one in.
Yes. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Okay. I see. I don't see Commissioner Christensen. Diaper. Hi. There you are. You are there. Okay. Good. Are we ready, Madam Clerk?
Welcome, people of Vancouver and points far and near.
We'll now convene the regular Park Board meeting for May 25th, 2026. We have the roll call, please.
Commissioner Digby in the chair. Commissioner Bastrovansky.
Present.
Commissioner Christensen.
Present.
Commissioner Hare.
Present.
Commissioner Howard is not online or in the room. Commissioner Jensen. Present. And Commissioner Verdi.
You have quorum, Chair.
Thank you, Madam Clerk. We begin tonight's meeting by acknowledging that we are on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and TTsleil-Waututh First Nations. At the Park Board, we know that by using the word unceded, we are recognizing that June 15th this year will mark 180 years that the Crown's obligation to negotiate treaties with First Peoples remains unfulfilled. And commissioners will note, we're not meeting again before June the 15th. So by the time we have our next meeting, There will be 180 years that the Crown has failed to negotiate these treaties. I want to call again for political courage from provincial and federal leaders to bring treaty negotiations to completion, and courage from the public to be ready to support those agreements when they are finally agreed upon. Today, I want to celebrate a wonderful Indigenous-led project at one of our partner facilities, currently at the Jericho Sailing Centre, where the community has gotten behind a major project to craft a 36-foot traditional Musqueam Cedar Salish seagoing canoe. It's one of only a few such canoes that have been carved in the past 100 years. As you may know, canoes hold significance for many Indigenous people as a lasting symbol of resilience and culture. This project is also a metaphor that can support a learning journey by creating opportunities to work together between Indigenous community members and settlers side by side. Similarly, the act of paddling a canoe together in harmony and with true collaboration We can only move forward towards a new worldview when we are paddling in sync with intention and commitment. This canoe project is led at Jericho by the Pacific Public Health Foundation, specifically lead educator Michael Glendale, the Yazdis, and Dr. Titus Wong. They conceived of this project after meeting with Jody Sparrow, who's a Musqueam and Squamish carver, artist, and ticketed professional carpenter. I've not seen a timeline for the carving of this canoe, but I imagine it will not be fast, so people are welcome to come and visit the project. It's situated in the main garage at the Jericho Sailing Centre.
As we all know, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is committed to supporting truth and reconciliation and to use this opportunity to amplify local First Nation voices and culture through our work in the community.
Next item. For our first order of business this evening, we will need a motion for the board to go into meetings. Priority for the next regular board meeting, which are closed to the public pursuant to section 165.2 sub 1 of the Vancouver Charter to discuss matters related to the paragraphs outlined in the agenda. Is there a mover for such motion? I see Commissioner Jensen. A seconder, please. Commissioner Verdi. Now call a vote by a show of hands. All in favor, please raise your hand. And that's unanimous. Thank you, commissioners. Next up is approval for the minutes of the regular board meeting, May the 4th, 2026, the 4th, that night. Are there any questions or comments on those minutes? Seeing none, Commissioner Hare, I think you're talking, but I don't quite hear you. You're not talking to us? Okay.
It's a public...
Speaking louder is not going to help, but you're on mute, I'm afraid. Okay, we're good to go? Okay, thank you.
So, sorry, is there a mover? We got a mover for those minutes? Commissioner Jensen, seconder, Commissioner Vastuvansky, and call vote by show of hands. All in favor, please raise your hand. I see unanimous support. Thank you, commissioners. Moving on to the chair's report. It covers events attended by park board commissioners since the last meeting. In my role as liaison, I attended meetings of the association presidents group. We're very interested in capital planning.
for the next cycle. The Britannia Community Services Center Society and the Stanley Park Ecology is now their official name. They go by SPE, having changed their name recently. Next slide. Commissioners attended the grand opening of the Sunset Senior Center. Commissioner Verity was there, and I delivered a welcome address alongside with our Minister Robertson, MP Noor Mohammed, Mayor Ken Sim, and the well-known and much-loved president of the Sunset Community Center Association, Balwinder Singh Waraik.
Very nice looking suit. And you see how much better they are at cutting than I am? I struggled in kindergarten. But I've made my way in life nonetheless. Commissioner Hare, Jensen, and Virdi attended the Khalsa Diwan Kabadi Tournament at Memorial South Park alongside city councillors and school trustees. And Commissioner Jensen and school trustee Young were there as well. And I have seen Commissioner Verity bombing around on that bicycle too. It looks like a good way to travel.
Commissioner Verity attended the City of Vancouver proclamation for Guru Nanak Jaha's. Wish we had been invited to that too. Commissioners, now this we were invited for, and I thank Commissioner Verdi for giving comments. Commissioners, this was the Guru Nanak Yaha's 112th anniversary and reopening of the statue that we've had there at Harbour Green Park, and I thank Commissioner Verdi for giving those comments there. It is a wonderful sight and wonderful to see it rehabilitated for another generation. And thank the staff for incredible artistic design work to rehabilitate that statue. Commissioners attended the unveiling of the newly resurfaced basketball courts at Kitsilano Beach Park alongside Howard Kelsey. whose name will come up later today, and MP Parm Baines was there as well, our MP from Richmond-Stevenson, Steveston.
Commissioner Jensen participated in the 2026 Sponsor Media Appreciation Invitational at Mayfair Lakes Golf Course, seen here with Dennis and Tom.
Okay. And Commissioner Jensen also attended Memorial South Park Centennial Celebration, 100th anniversary of the opening of the park. And I see commissioners, I see councillors there, I see MPs and MLAs there. Very popular event. And Commissioner Jensen also participated in the capital planning community engagement that was onside for the celebration. And as the neighbours there know, we are putting in an important inclusive playground. And I'd like to thank Commissioner Verdi again for his proponent, his support of that particular playground, which I know he cares a lot about. Moving on, since the last meeting, Commissioner Jensen visited Columbia Park, the soon-to-be-opened Oak Ridge Community Centre, and the farmer's markets at Falls Creek and South Falls Creek. Thank you for eating so well, Commissioner Jensen. Commissioner Jensen... Benson was there looking for a sausage, no doubt.
Commissioner Jensen attended Steam Engine 374, a celebration at the Roundhouse. Looks like it's on its way to Hogwarts, that train.
No, I'm in trouble now. Commissioner Jensen attended the Vancouver Art Book Fair and the Roundhouse Community Center with VSB Chair Young. Roundhouse popular place. Commissioner Gensler played at Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club open house with Betty Ann Lee and I believe that that pitch is still rolling as it was last heard somewhere near Burnaby heading for the Port Coquitlam town line.
And Chair Digby attended the Moberly Arts and Culture Center, had a tour with their board representative, Phil Daum, which is coming along. And Chair Digby with Commissioner Jensen.
Next time, open your eyes. There's newly resurfaced tennis courts at Kitsilano Beach Park. And Chair Digby and Commissioner Jensen met with Jim Clive, who's a founder of Kitts Beach Volleyball Association, and people will see his name later tonight in the agenda.
Thank you, commissioners, for your excellent work in the community.
And Commissioner Baskervancy, you can send your photos next time. Does the clerk have any correspondence of note for the meeting tonight?
I do. I will read it again for the correct meeting. The following is a summary of correspondence sent to the commissioners related to topics on the park board meeting agenda this evening. The report only reflects communications received between May 19th and May 25th, 2026, up until 3 p.m. via the contact the park board commissioners web form. And we received eight letters of support for the motion titled recognition of Jim Clive and Howard Kelsey. for their contributions to sports and community at Kitsilano Beach Park. That's all. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Clerk.
Our next item is a report of the Park Board Committee from earlier this evening. Motion to adopt that committee's recommendations. Commissioner Bastiwanski is a mover, a seconder. Commissioner Jensen, call the vote by show of hands. All those in favour, please raise your hand. I see it's unanimous, and although we are missing, Commissioner Hare is now absent. So we'll see if Commissioner comes back on.
General Manager's Report. May I ask for the General Manager's Report from GM Jackson.
Thank you, Chair. Good evening, Commissioners.
Construction works are underway for the Slocan Park Children and... Youth Hub. The concept plan for the project was approved by the board on June 16, 2025. The project includes a new multi-use sport court, a new concrete skateboard park, and a renewed playground that will create a vibrant, welcoming destination for all ages with a focus on children and youth and help meet the demands of a growing neighborhood. The Youth Hub is located directly adjacent to the new seasonal wetland green infrastructure project, which is in the final stages of completion. The wetland will manage all of the youth hub stormwater and complement the new recreational features with natural habitat for birds, insects, and other creatures. Construction works are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. In July 2025, several improvements were completed at Crab Park, including a playground renewal and splash pad refresh. Park Board staff have since been working closely with the Arts, Reconciliation, and Culture team to respond to local nations' requests for cultural visibility within the park. Parkward staff invited the following artists represented in Musqueam, Squamish and TTsleil-Waututh and urban Indigenous communities for the art project, including Chief Janice George, Buddy Joseph, Candice Thomas, Bracken Hanus Corlett and Crystal Sparrow. The artwork will be incorporated into select playground panels and painted directly onto the splash pad surface. To accommodate this work, the spray park at Crabbe Park will be temporarily closed until the end of June. The Vancouver Park Board is grateful to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and DP World for their financial contributions towards this project.
To improve customer experience during the high season, 20 temporary port-a-potty toilets have been deployed at the Stanley Park Information Booth, Prospect Point and Sunset Beach locations.
The units were delivered on May 11, 2026, working with Park Board's existing Super Save standing contract. The units will remain operational for 120 days through Labor Day. Sighting was finalized through cross-departmental collaboration. Staff also conducted on-site meetings with local operators, including Stanley Park Tours and the Prospect Point Restaurant and Cafe, to ensure the selected sighting allows easy public access without disrupting existing operations. Final project completion and unit removal are scheduled for September 8, 2026.
May 1 to 7 marked Provincial Youth Week in British Columbia, a time to celebrate and recognize youth across the province. To mark the occasion, community youth workers organized a range of large-scale activations designed to engage youth in fun, inclusive, and meaningful ways. The week began on Friday, May 1st, at Hastings Community Center with a carnival-style event featuring inflatables, an arcade truck, skateboarding, a mini resource fair, prizes, and a barbecue in partnership with the members of the Vancouver Fire Department. On the evening of Saturday, May 2nd, the Queer Teen Social at Falls Creek Community Center, where the team created a supportive and affirming space for youth, with activities like music, games, arts and crafts, and opportunities for creative expression. On Tuesday, May 5th, Killarney Community Centre hosted its annual volleyball tournament. This event emphasized participation, fun, and sport for life, rather than competition alone. In addition to these larger citywide events, many community centres hosted smaller events supported by community centre associations. These activities were planned in collaboration with site-based youth councils, ensuring that Youth Week reflected the interests and voices of young people in each community. A total of 12 events engaged approximately 900 youth during Youth Week, thanks to community youth workers for their leadership and the community centre associations for their partnership.
The Learning Garden at Van Dusen Botanical Garden promotes hands-on learning and showcases the importance of plants in everyday life. The new, almost 14,000 square foot space features raised planters, demonstration and potting areas, and interactive educational signage focused on sustainability and edible gardening. The garden renovation project was completed in 2024 collaboratively between the Vancouver Park Board and the Vancouver Botanical Garden Association. The VBGA fundraised most of the construction costs while park board planning and Van Dusen operations teams played key roles in delivering the project. In 2025, more than 1,200 children participated in gardening programs through nature camps while the garden also hosted preschool wonder walks, adult gardening courses, professional development opportunities for K-12 educators, newcomer senior programs through Mosaic, and gardening programs with various accessibility-focused community organizations. Through a partnership with the Native Education College Indigenous Land Stewardship Program, students also maintain a legacy garden bed that will continue to be maintained and learning tool for future students in the program. The Learning Garden has also become a key feature of major events, including Harvest Days, Pollinator Days, and Van Dusen's 50th anniversary celebrations. Devoted volunteers play an integral part of the garden's success with over 1,200 hours of support given every year.
A new spring savings marketing campaign was wrapped with strong results. The promotion offered a 25% discount on three-month flexi passes from April 7th to May 10th, encouraging new and casual fitness pool and rink visitors to try a flexi pass at reduced rates and build a fun, flexible fitness routine ahead of the summer season. A limited time offer helped create a sense of urgency while bringing the pass to a price point that was competitive with private gyms in the city. The marketing plan included significant in-facility advertising with pop-up banners, posters, and decals in community centers, pools, rinks, fitness centers, golf courses, and high-traffic outdoor park washrooms. The campaign was also supported by a strong digital push through email marketing, social media, and meta-advertising. In total, 6,341 individuals took advantage of the special offer. During the promotional period, total pass sales increased by 48% and total pass revenue increased by 82% compared to the same period last year. This represents a $500,000 increase in pass revenue compared to the same period in 2025. In addition to driving pass sales, the promotion significantly increased awareness of the FlexiPass and Vancouver's recreational facilities, generating more than 1 million impressions on social media content throughout the campaign. The promotion encouraged Vancouver residents to stay active and healthy and to enjoy Vancouver's many fun and accessible recreation facilities. I'm happy to shout out Emily, who is in the room tonight, who devised this plan and marketing campaign, and much of the kudos and success go to her and her team for implementation.
On May 4th, 16 Park Board employees were recognized at the 25 Years of Service Awards Ceremony. The event was held to honour and celebrate Park Board staff members who have reached this significant milestone and expressed appreciation for their continued dedication and commitment to their work. I had the honour of presenting awards and conveying my heartfelt appreciation to the following staff members. From Business Services, James Pickett, Gardiner, Rosemary Yip, Train Operations Team Lead, Sean Longprey, Site Supervisor, and Una Fluen, Operations Manager, Filming and Special Events. From Park Operations, Avtar Dhaliwal, Building Worker, Dave Claremont, Operations Worker and Park Attendant, Dimitri Stradidakis, Truck Driver, Jamie Cole, Superintendent, and Marius Sordal, Equipment Operator. From Recreation Services, Eamon McGinley, Superintendent, Henry Lee, Maintenance Technician and Lead Hand, Trout Lake Community Centre, Kerry Ward, Recreation Programmer, Mark Serediak, Building Worker, Michael McNeely, Utility Maintenance Worker, Shannon Ellis Cabral, Head Skate Instructor, and Susie Parker, Community Youth Worker. I'd also like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all those who are unable to attend the ceremony.
It's definitely worth a round of applause. 25 years is quite the contribution to the organization and the city in public service. And finally, a number of memos shared with the board from May 4th to May 25th. Those are listed on screen, and I will save you the time of listening to me repeat those.
I'm sure you've seen those in your inbox and have had a chance to review those. And with that, no council meetings this week to share relevant items. And so I will hand the floor back to you, Chair, and welcome any questions, should there be any. Thank you, GM Jackson. I see a question from Commissioner Jensen.
I'm very interested in the artwork happening at Crabbe Park. I'm just wondering if there'll be a date of unveiling or when's the best time to go and visit and seeing it in its best, most freshest form.
We will find that out and ensure commissioners are aware.
Thank you so much.
Swimsuit mandatory. My question for the GM is the temporary bathrooms that have been installed around, are those motivated by anticipated FIFA crowds or is that a longstanding need? And is that possible that might be maintained into following summers? Yeah, so at this point, we have seen an increased need for washrooms within Stanley Park, notably at the information booth. The washrooms that are there that are hard built in often do back up and are out of service. And so this ensures at that first entry point into Stanley Park that there are always functioning washrooms. We will continue to monitor through the summer. And should there be sufficient evidence to warrant necessity in future summers, we can certainly look into that and would look to the board to prioritize funding associated with that. This is one of the initiatives that was flagged as part of the customer experience funding that was one time in the 2026 budget. Thank you. Places to go. places to be. Any other comments for the general manager? Then I will thank you for your very interesting report. I know that's a very busy time of year for park board staff and we thank you all for all that WE ARE MOVING TO MOTIONS ON NOTICE. WE HAVE ONE MOTION. UNKNOWN PARTICIPANT IS NOW EXITING.
OKAY. We still have quorum. So we'll now, we have one motion on notice entitled Recognition of Jim Clive and Howard Kelsey for the Contributions to Sport and Community at Kitsilano Beach Park. The motion's been moved by Commissioner Jensen. And do I see a seconder? I see Commissioner Bastiovansky would like to second that. Commissioner Jensen, you have five minutes to introduce your motion.
Wait for it to turn red. Thank you so much for this time. I have just spent a little time getting to know both of the individuals, but Jim Clive is going to be inducted into the BC Sport Hall of Fame in less than a month. Howard Kelsey is already a member of the BC Sport Hall of Fame. I'll just read what their bios are that I was able to get from that site. Jim Clive is considered the godfather of beach volleyball in BC, introducing, playing, and promoting beach volleyball for over 50 years. Started beach volleyball in Vancouver at Kitsilano Beach in 1978. Famously played beach volleyball with basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain for several summers at Kits Beach. Installed the first permanent volleyball post in Kitts Beach in 1980. Credited with leading the acceptance and installation of beach volleyball courts on all major Vancouver beaches including the current 16 Kitts Beach courts. Founded the Kitts Beach Volleyball Association in 1997. and incorporated the Kits Beach Volleyball Association as a non-profit society, served as their executive director from 1997 to 2020, growing the organization from over 600 active members to over 600 active members and staging over 125 full-day tournaments. Served as the president of the Greater Vancouver Senior B Volleyball Association from 1975 to 1978. Got his start administering and delivering indoor volleyball programs for New Westminster Parks and Recreation from 1966 to 1981. And was inducted into the Volleyball BC Hall of Fame. During our conversation, he mentioned how it was somewhat of a guerrilla-style tactic to get the... courts up on the beaches before they were torn down by rangers at the time. But we look, as we were standing there that afternoon, we saw 16 courts fully with participants participating in all of them and lots of people coming out to watch them. Howard Kelsey.
I'm going to start with the fact that he created Kids Fest in 1997. I think I got the year right. But just go through, again, his BC Sport Hall of Fame credentials. He's a two-time Olympian for Canada in basketball, 1980-1984. Represented Canada in more than 400 international games over an 11-year national team career. Named BC Male Basketball Player of the Year and inducted into Canada's Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a builder. founder and chair of Canada One Athletics Foundation, co-founder of Kitsfest, now one of Vancouver's largest sports and healthy living festivals, played a lead role in financing and organizing the resurfacing and upgrades of Kits Beach basketball courts and tennis courts, and again for later renewal efforts. Oh, sorry, that's repeated. And advocated and preserving and improving Kits Beach recreational spaces for athletes and families. We've been on this board now for almost four years. I think the work that Howard has done speaks to all of us. These are two individuals that have certainly left their mark on Vancouver sport, and I think that they are, for me, I would love to see them being honoured and recognised by, for me, a court in each of their names, so a volleyball court in one and a basketball court in the other. And that's my member's motion.
Thank you, Commissioner Jensen. Very honorable tribute to two amazing and dedicated Vancouverites who've done just a ton for the community. And I would note always emphasizing leadership, their personal roles in leadership for their organizations and for young people coming through the system. Any comments from commissioners regarding the motion? Seeing no comments, I think we can just go straight to a vote then. Commissioners can see the motion before you there. All those in favor of the motion, please raise your hand. And that would be unanimous. Thank you, Commissioner Jensen, for bringing this worthy recognition to gentlemen.
Moving on, we will now move to notices of motion.
Question is, do commissioners have notice of motion? And I will actually go first on this because I would like to move a notice of motion for this table to consider at our next regular meeting, board meeting. The title of my motion is Prohibition and Restriction of Motorized Personal Watercraft in Burrard Inlet.
Next, I see Commissioner Verdi.
I have two notices of motion for tonight. The first one is Think Accessible Play, Advancing Vancouver's Second Destination Inclusive Sensory and All Abilities Park with a Communication Board Pilot at Queen Elizabeth Park. And the second one is Think Free Swim.
Thank you, Commissioner Verdi. Commissioner Bastiwanski.
I also have a notice of motion for the next meeting on June 1st, titled Beach Safety and Marine Protection, which coincidentally also involves high-speed motorized personal watercraft. What a coincidence.
And it has been submitted in writing.
Thank you, Commissioners. Do other Commissioners have notices of motion? Seeing none, we will now move towards other business. Commissioner Jensen, do you have other business you would like to raise? I'm actually going to... Interject. Just first, I have one notice of other business to announce. And this is actually for those in the room who are interested to know about park board meetings coming up. A special park board meeting will be held on Monday, July the 20th at 5. for the board to consider the Park Board 2027 to 30 capital plan. That's Monday, July 20th at 5.30 p.m. for the Park Board capital plan. Next, I see Commissioner Jensen has other business to raise.
Yes, thank you so much. I am going to be raising an urgent member's motion. It has been submitted in writing. The urgent member's motion is titled Waving 2026 Vancouver Park Board Fees for Italian Day on the Drive. It is being moved as urgent member motion due to the timeliness necessary for the financials of a June date for their uh for the successful launch of the Italian day on the drive it is okay June 14th is the date of the event so okay so I'm obliged to make a ruling on whether this deemed as urgent and I'll just pause for one minute while the clerk reminds me
All right. The chair deems this to be an urgent matter, given that Italian Day is almost upon us, and if we're going to make a commitment, we need to do it now.
Commissioner Jensen, please bring your motion, and you're the mover. Do we have a seconder for your motion? I see Commissioner Bastiwanski, and we will ask the commissioner to... I'll read it out so that... Give us his motion.
Okay. Therefore, be it resolved that the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation direct staff to waive all applicable Vancouver Park Board fees associated with the 2026 Italian Day on the Drive Festival, including event-related permanent park use fees where operationally feasible. And if you'd like to ask me some questions, you may. If you already understand the rationale behind this motion, you may consider it, and we can move to comments. Commissioner, questions?
Do we know approximately how much the fees are, Commissioner Jensen?
Yes, approximate. And so we're looking at no more than $5,000, approximately around $4,000.
Less than $5,000, around $4,000. Thank you. Any further questions around the table?
And I have been in contact with the organization group since hearing about this in the media a week and a half ago. So doing my best, but not able to get that exact figure down. But certainly I've been working very diligently to get this information since seeing it in the news.
Thank you very much. All right. Seeing no further comments, then we'll move to a vote. All those in favor of the motion as presented. Please, so finished with questions, and we'll now move to comments on the motion. Do commissioners have comments on the motion?
I see Commissioner Verity.
First of all, I just want to thank Scott for bringing this forward. I had a similar motion that I submitted as well in response to Mayor Ken Simms' request for us to get rid of the fees. And I also want to thank Councillor Dominato for providing the $60,000 emergency fund motion, which was supported by the councillors as well. So I just want to thank... Commissioner Jensen for listening to Ken Sims call as well.
Thanks Commissioner Jensen well if thanks are going to be given out. I would like to thank the Italian day uh, board, um, that puts us on for all the hard work that they do. I'd also like to, to thank, uh, Digby, Commissioner Digby, Commissioner Bascovansky, um, for their support, um, with the Italian Day Festival. I, I, you guys were there last year with me and it was, uh, a wonderful event. Um, further to that, I know that, uh, I spoke with Commissioner Pete Fry yesterday. Pete Fry is a big advocate for the Italian Day Festival, and I think that that motion passed unanimously, so every single councillor deserves the recognition for supporting the Italian Day on the Drive. This is such a non-political issue. This is about supporting a festival that matters to so many people, not just those that live nearby the commercial drive, but all all those that come and celebrate, celebrate culture, celebrate community, celebrate family. It is a very worthwhile event, and I'm hopeful that more people will be able to enjoy it this year because of the support that this park board has shown.
Seeing no further comments, we'll move to a vote. All those in favour of the motion as presented? The motion is unanimously passed by the park board. Thank you, Commissioner Jensen, and I look forward to the Italian Days community event on Commercial Drive.
Any other business? Nothing? No emergencies? Do members have inquiries? I don't see any inquiries then. Unfortunately, my friends, I'm afraid we must adjourn as there is no further business for tonight's meeting. Thank you all. We'll resume the park board in-camera meeting in two minutes.
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