Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is taking a bold step in an attempt to eliminate the Vancouver Park Board, a source of discussion and division since its creation in 1888. Sim announced a council motion to request the provincial government to change the Vancouver Charter, removing the requirement for an independently elected park board.
He also wants to ensure that green spaces cannot be developed without a unanimous vote of the council and subsequent referendum. While Sim argues that this change will result in more effective management of parks, there are concerns about potential policy issues and political divisions.
The three park board commissioners elected with Sim last October, who were not present during his announcement, have expressed opposition to the plan and consider themselves independent from the mayor’s party. They claim to have been excluded from the ABC caucus, leading to a division within the party and potentially giving them a 4-3 majority over Sim for park board control. The ultimate decision rests with the provincial government, and it remains uncertain whether they will approve the motion or impose further requirements for the transition.
In the meantime, Sim will have to address questions about the cost savings, management capabilities, and short-term implications of centralizing park board operations under the control of the mayor and council.