British Columbia’s minister of municipal affairs has halted progress on a provincial bill that aimed to mandate a vote by Vancouver residents on dissolving its park board, citing the need for further discussions between the city and First Nations.
Nearly two years ago, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim proposed eliminating the separately elected park board responsible for overseeing the city’s parks and recreation services to streamline decision-making and cost savings. This move would require an amendment to the Vancouver Charter, which currently mandates the elected park board.
In October, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Christine Boyle, introduced legislation stipulating that the City of Vancouver could only dissolve its independently elected park board through a referendum approved by local voters.
Boyle recently announced on social media that the province would not proceed with the second reading of the bill this fall, indicating that the City of Vancouver needs to clarify its intended direction, particularly in collaboration with Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Addressing reporters in Victoria, Boyle disclosed that the three First Nations had expressed concerns about the proposed bill in a formal letter, emphasizing the importance of consultation on park protection and its implications for the nations. Further consultations with First Nations regarding potential negotiations on parkland transfers will be essential before the province can advance the bill.
Mayor Ken Sim responded to Boyle’s decision, highlighting the absence of prior consultation with local First Nations and the city before the legislation was introduced. Sim reiterated the city’s stance that any referendum requirement should not allow park land transfers without the explicit consent of Vancouver residents.
Efforts to obtain comments from Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations by CBC News are ongoing.