Vision Vancouver park board commissioner Constance Barnes was voted in as chair at Monday nights inaugural meeting of the 2011-2014 board.
And Barnes wasted no time in bringing forward a motion that same night regarding childcare, one of her big issues. Barnes wants the park board to reinstate the Joint Council on Childcare and renew its goals and previously adopted terms of reference. She wants the council to commit to a goal of increasing childcare spaces in the city by 500 in the next three years.
Two-time park board chair Aaron Jasper now sits as vice-chair.
Ill have to be careful with my wording here because I recently received a nasty email from a reader accusing me of having a crush on Jasper, because prior to the election I referred to him and his fellow Vision commissioners running for re-election as experienced. (You cant make this stuff up.)
Back to Jasper, the realtor with Royal LePage was a long time community organizer and activist with the West End Residents Association before being elected to the board in 2008.
As of the Couriers deadline, committee liaisons had not yet been named.
XXX
The concept design for a new mini park at the corner of Main Street near East 18th Avenue is expected to be approved at a park board meeting Dec. 12.
The tiny, 0.20-hectare property is a City of Vancouver engineering right of way, located just east of 3333 Main St. where a six-storey mixed-use building will soon be complete. The concept plan looks interesting and includes a seat wall and tables and chairs, including swivel stools that pay homage to Palm Dairy, which was located at 3333 Main St. for decades. Also acknowledging that history is a series of tall metal trellises designed to look like soda fountain straws.
For a complete look at the plan, check out the park board meeting agenda for Dec. 12 available at vancouver.ca/parks.
XXX
The park board is also expected at the Dec. 12 meeting to renew the licence agreement with the popular Kitsilano Showboat Society for a further five years.
Kitsilano Showboat was founded in 1935 as a community project where Vancouver entertainers could showcase their talents. This past summer was the societys 76th season during which more than 60 individual performances drew an audience of 600 or more each night.
XXX
There are lot of Christmas and holiday-related events taking place at community centres across the city so make sure you check in with staff at your local facility.
With that in mind, the Renfrew Community Centre is hosting its Childrens Christmas Party for kids ages two to 10, Dec. 10 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Activities include craft making, face painting and a visit from Santa. For more information call 604-257-8388.
As well, the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association is hosting a free family event Dec. 9 called O Christmas Tree Light Up Ceremony. Besides lighting a Christmas tree, the event promises free hot chocolate and candy canes. The party runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the southwest corner of Kingsway and Broadway.
Twitter: @sthomas10
