Vancouverites interested in the future of all things aquatic in the city get ready — the park board is opening up applications for its VanSplash advisory group.
Commissioners approved forming the group earlier this week. A two-week application period will run Nov. 26 to Dec. 9. Those interested will be able to apply online through vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/vansplash-aquatics-strategy. Paper applications will also be available upon request. The applications will then be vetted and a shortlist will be presented to commissioners in a closed meeting.
Park board director of planning Dave Hutch told commissioners the aim is to bring together a diverse group of individuals representing five different user groups — recreation/leisure, skill development, fitness, sport training and therapy/rehabilitation — and from different areas of the city, age groups and gender identities. A third-party, Delaney + Associates, will handle the application process and facilitate the group.
VanSplash is the proposed long-term plan for the city’s pools, beaches and other aquatic amenities. It includes a variety of recommendations and lays out a plan for the future of Vancouver’s indoor and outdoor pools, wading pools, spray parks and beaches, and other aquatic amenities. Several elements of the plan have prompted pushback from residents.
The plan was presented to commissioners last December following 18 months of public consultation. Over two nights commissioners heard from close to 50 residents, and all had a concern about a component of the plan.
In January, commissioners voted 4-3 to refer the plan back to staff for further consideration of the role of neighbourhood pools in the community and the qualitative experience of pool users. Then in April the park board announced the decision to strike the external advisory committee to “assist in developing a revised version of VanSplash.”
Approving the formation of the advisory group, which received some criticisms when it was announced in the spring, was not unanimous. NPA commissioner John Coupar, who was in October re-elected to a third term on the board, voiced his reservations about supporting the formation of the group.
“With some regret I have to say I do not support moving forward with this advisory board. I think that there was plenty of public consultation,” he said. “I think VanSplash was extensive… So I’m a little perplexed that we’re now going out to a smaller group.”
He added that he has concerns that the group will not be representative enough of all the communities in the city and aquatics user groups.
The motion was approved in a 5-2 vote. New NPA commissioner Tricia Barker also voted against forming the advisory group.
@JessicaEKerr
jkerr@vancourier.com
