VANCOUVER, BC – July 9, 2026 – Green Commissioner Tom Digby warned today that Vancouver’s long-term recreation priorities in the 2027–2030 Capital Plan must be guided by evidence and community need, not by election-year politics.

The draft Park Board Capital Plan 2027–2030, released this week, proposes approximately $739 million for Park Board projects over the next four years, substantially more than the $550 million approved in the current 2023–2026 Capital Plan, but only about half of the $1.43 billion unanimously requested by the Vancouver Park Board on April 7 after reviewing the condition and needs of the city’s parks and recreation system. (Park Board)

“This proposal shows that the Park Board is doing exactly what Vancouver elected it to do: identify needs, listen to communities, and advocate for the investments our city requires,” said Commissioner Digby. “While we’re disappointed that the proposed funding falls well short of what the Park Board determined is necessary, it is nevertheless a significant increase over the current Capital Plan and demonstrates that persistent advocacy works.”

Digby warned, however, that the City’s draft Capital Plan, also released this week, identifies a different list of priority recreation facility renewals than the one unanimously endorsed by the Park Board following years of facility condition assessments, demographic analysis, and public consultation. (City Council)

“The Park Board’s priorities were not developed behind closed doors or for short-term political advantage,” said Digby. “They reflect years of technical analysis, asset management planning, seismic assessments, recreation demand studies, and public engagement. They are based on where Vancouver is growing, where facilities are in the poorest condition, and where public investment will deliver the greatest benefit for residents.”

The Park Board’s priorities include restoration of Kitsilano Pool and major renewals of Hastings, Kensington, and Renfrew Community Centres, including planning for a new 50-metre public pool to meet growing demand for aquatic facilities across East Vancouver.

“Public dollars should be invested where they will produce the greatest long-term public benefit, not according to the political priorities of a mayor struggling for re-election,” Digby said.

Digby said that he will continue advocating for the priorities the Park Board unanimously adopted because they represent the best interests of Vancouver residents over the coming decades.

“Vancouver deserves recreation facilities that reflect the needs of a growing city. The Park Board will continue to stand up for investments based on objective evidence, professional planning, and extensive community consultation. That is precisely why an independent elected Park Board continues to matter.”