As a Park Board commissioner, I would prioritize planting street trees in areas of least cover and highest use within these priority neighbourhoods. I also believe our targets can be more ambitious than 2030 - all of our neighbours deserve equal access to shade. If we’ve learned anything in the last year, it’s that we can’t wait a decade to prepare for extreme weather.
I believe Park Board commissioners must take a long-term view of what will maintain Vancouver’s parks and recreation infrastructure for future generations. The maintenance and replacement of infrastructure must be approached with climate change goals and efficiency in mind. On Park Board, I will advocate for infrastructure resiliency in all Park Board strategic plans and repair decisions. I believe a functional parks system is built on a stable and enduring foundation.
Co-management holds the potential to be a critical step in recognizing Indigenous authority and laws over parklands. However, this model must be designed and structured through the leadership of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, meaningfully recognize the Nations’ right to determine priorities and strategies for their territories and must be supported by adequate funding.
As a lawyer working with Indigenous Nations, I have experience developing co-management arrangements (from fisheries to environmental assessments). I hope to bring this experience to Park Board and support the work and initiatives led by the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to decolonize parks and recognize their inherent rights. This work is integral to a more resilient and equitable city for all.