Author: Stuart Mackinnon

As an elected Green, I believe in the values of the global green movement. The Global Greens Charter identifies six guiding principles: Ecological wisdom Social justice Participatory democracy Nonviolence Sustainability Respect for diversity Under the heading of Social Justice: We assert that the key to social justice is the equitable

The Park Board met last night to discuss the current situation in Oppenheimer Park. Commissioners have received regular updates and have met on three occasions throughout the summer. I am here to share the most recent decision of the commissioners. The Board did not approve the staff recommendation to proceed

August 26 2019    Approximately 127 people experiencing homelessness living in Oppenheimer Park have accepted housing offers following a Park Board General Manager’s order last week which requested that tents and other structures be removed by August 21. Of the people who have accepted offers of housing, 37% identify as

City of Vancouver and Park Board Information bulletin         August 19, 2019 This morning, the General Manager of the Park Board provided notice to people who have erected tents and other structures in Oppenheimer Park that they must remove all structures by 6 pm on Wednesday, August 21. At the request

Adrienne Tanner Special to The Globe and Mail 16 August 2019 With Vancouver’s beaches periodically out of commission for swimming, our city’s pools are rendered even more precious. There is nothing more divine than a swim at one of our three full-sized outdoor pools on a smoking hot day. Consider the

City suppliers and sub-contractors to operate within recognized animal welfare best practices       August 8 2019 –    Following updates to our procurement policies that went into effect August 1, we will be working with suppliers who meet best practice levels for animal welfare. This commitment is the result

August 2 2019     Vancouver parks and beaches are busier than ever at this time of the year so the Vancouver Park Board is reminding visitors to respect barbecue restrictions and park smoking ban. Barbeque restrictions On the day of Celebration of Light (one more on August 3) no barbecues

Vancouver Park Board News ReleaseJuly 31, 2019  At a special Vancouver (Read more…) Board meeting last night, Commissioners received a feedback report on the draft VanSplash Aquatic Strategy outlining a vision for the future of aquatics in Vancouver.  The report was produced by the VanSplash Advisory Group, which was appointed

New measures implemented to combat hot weather and poor air quality July 25 2019 –  In preparation for a long stretch of sunny weather, the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Park Board are preparing to help residents who may struggle with the heat this summer. This year, the City is

On Monday, 22 July 2019, I had the great honour to be a presenter/panelist at the opening plenary session of the Greater & Greener conference in Denver, Colorado. Representing the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, I spoke about Reconciliation at the Park Board and our Biodiversity accomplishments. I shared

VANCOUVER, B.C. – At last night’s Park Board meeting, Green Commissioner Camil Dumont substituted a motion introduced by Commissioner Coupar with one of his own. Coupar’s original motion asked the city to accelerate its plans to separate combined sewer overflow pipes (CSOs) by the year 2029, instead of the city’s

The drowning prevention program is open to kids aged 7 to 18 Courier staff / Vancouver Courier July 19, 2019  Vancouver Park Board is once again offering up free Swim to Survive classes during National Drowning Prevention Week. The courses, which are a partnership between the Lifesaving Society and Vancouver

by Aria Nasimi on July 9th, 2019 Straight.com At least seven parks across Vancouver will get new playgrounds. They will be built in Ash, Beaconsfield, Cedar Cottage, Charleson, Jones, Kaslo, and Winona parks.It came as a result of a park board vote last night to direct staff to negotiate and enter

by Taran Parmar and Lisa Steacy Jul 7, 2019 VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) — After a large homeless camp at Oppenheimer Park caused an annual festival to relocate, one park board commissioner wants more supports for the city’s most vulnerable. Commissioner Stuart Mackinnon says the board has done what it can to

June 27 2019 –     The City, in partnership with the Vancouver Park Board, is expanding public area recycling by adding 20 new zero waste stations at park concessions throughout the city. The new stations support the City’s ongoing zero waste initiatives and public realm cleanliness. The zero waste stations

By Simon Little Online Journalist  Global News  The Vancouver Aquarium’s cetacean ban lawsuit against the City of Vancouver and its Park Board appears to be water under the bridge.The aquarium’s parent organization, Ocean Wise, says it has signed a new 35-year licence agreement with the board and reaffirmed its commitment

Ocean Wise announces new vision for conservation and public education    “We look forward to a new future with Ocean Wise as leaders in raising awareness of the vital role of our oceans and sharing the importance of conservation with their visitors.”  Stuart Mackinnon, Chair of the Vancouver Park Board

Dave Demers wants to speed up plan to plant more drought tolerant species Chad Pawson · CBC News · Posted: Jun 21, 2019 A Vancouver Park Board commissioner wants to accelerate plans to protect Vancouver’s urban forest from drought. Dave Demers, a landscaper who was elected in October as a Green

An action to help prevent the spread of Japanese beetle   June 17 2019 –  As part of our efforts to eradicate the Japanese beetle, an invasive and destructive pest that feeds on the flowers, fruit and leaves of over 300 species of plants, a temporary transfer station has been