A minister who lives and works near Hastings Park says it's getting harder for the surrounding community to use the park's public spaces.
That's why David Bornman wants Hastings Park designated as permanent parkland and says the park board should take over governance of the park and the Pacific National Exhibition.
"The way the situation is now, it's like giving governance of Stanley Park to the [Vancouver Aquarium]," said Bornman, who said a recent picnic held by a Christian school he helps run was stymied by fences and confusing access to the park thanks to various events going on. Some of the picnic participants almost gave up after they couldn't find their way in.
"Despite the fact there's a lot going on historically, it needs an objective governing body," he said.
Hastings Park, governed by the non-profit PNE's board of directors, is undergoing a massive $310 million redevelopment. The final phase up for approval is to decide governance and city staff has asked for public input while recommending the PNE board retain control. A third option is to have a city department, such as engineering, manage the property. Friends of Hastings Park and the Hastings Park Conservancy and Hastings Community Association said in May they want the park board to take control of the property.
At the time, Vision Vancouver park board commissioner and vice-chair Aaron Jasper brought forward a motion recommending the board seek governance of the PNE, which passed unanimously. Jasper said that recommendation still stands. "It hasn't changed," said Jasper. "It's still our official stand."
Bornman believes the park board will be more objective in how Hastings Park is managed. He also believes the board is legally required to govern it because the land was originally deeded to the city as park land by the provincial government in 2004.
"And in that case the park board is automatically in charge," said Bornman.
PNE chief operating officer Michael McDaniel told the Courier there's a delicate balance between community and commercial use within the park. He added it's the PNE's commercial ventures, including the annual fair, Fright Nights, concerts, hockey and more, which help pay to maintain the park. Hastings Racecourse and casino are also located on the property.
"The commercial operations are the way we pay for maintaining the park and infrastructure," said McDaniel. "We don't get any government subsidies, so we need to generate revenue."
He added the PNE pays for everything from staff to machinery including leaf blowers and pressure washers.
McDaniel is concerned the park board won't have the ability to raise the money needed to properly maintain Hastings Park and the PNE. He noted under the PNE's management, Hastings Park generates $140 million annually towards the provincial economy with $115 million of that remaining in Vancouver. The PNE also generates $95 million in wages annually, with $80 million of that staying in the city.
"If the park board does take over, that could compromise our ability to fund the site because it will no longer be financially sustainable," said McDaniel.
Vision Vancouver Coun. Raymond Louie reiterated he will not recuse himself from voting on the issue despite the fact some community members believe there's a conflict of interest in allowing the councillor, chair of the PNE board, to vote on that same group's continued governance.
City council is expected to decide on the park's governance Wednesday, July 24, at 9:30 a.m. at city hall.
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