Two NPA commissioners are unhappy the Vision Vancouver-dominated park board has ruled against holding a special public meeting to discuss the new OneCard, which launched last week.
The system-wide membership card being rolled out by the park board will allow users access to 22 community centres as well as the citys pools, rinks and gyms. Until now, each centre had its own membership cards. The OneCard program is being introduced at some community centres July 8, and depending on whether its ratified, at the remaining facilities in September.
In response to concerns about the card from several community centre associations, NPA park board commissioners Melissa De Genova and John Coupar sent formal notice to park board chair Sarah Blyth last week asking that a special public meeting be held June 19. The meeting was requested due to what the NPA commissioners perceive as the lack of public consultation concerning the OneCard and the new community centre model.
The OneCard is just one component of a joint operating agreement under discussion with 12 of the citys 20 community centre associations. The remaining associations have refused to enter into those discussions due to disagreements over the proposed agreement.
De Genova wanted to see more public consultation before the OneCard was launched.
Vision Vancouver delayed public consultation on this issue and have again launched a program without asking the public for feedback or understanding the cost, said De Genova.
Coupar said he spoke with several association presidents involved in talks with the park board who told him the news release about the card was sent to media prior to staff being notified.
They were in such a hurry to get a win out they couldnt wait, said Coupar. As we have learned from past experience major policy change demands public input. Far better to shed light on the process at this preliminary stage rather than rolling out a completed agreement months from now negotiated behind closed doors.
Vision Vancouver commissioner and acting chair Aaron Jasper said the OneCard isnt going to be official until its ratified in September, which leaves time for discussion. He added the reason De Genovas request for a special meeting was refused was procedural.
I asked the GM [Malcolm Bromley] and he sought advice from the city clerks office, said Jasper. My concern was it contradicted the recommendation approved by the board June 10.
He said the city clerks office confirmed De Genovas request for a special meeting was out of order and based on that advice, and as acting park board chair, Jasper denied it.
I dont know why Melissa asked for a special meeting when she could have just brought forward a notice of motion, said Jasper. Its nothing personal, its just procedural.
Jasper added hes confused why the NPA commissioners would argue against the
OneCard.
What part of replacing 22 cards with one card and reducing financial barriers do they find controversial? said Jasper. This is a good news story and I hope theyll eventually start to promote it and get off the fence.
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