Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Protecting Precious Places January 22, 2015 Allan Neilson, General Manager Planning, Policy and Environment Overview  Corporate Context  Park Vision, Service and Programs  The Future of Parks Corporate Context Regional Parks Metro 2040 (Regional Growth Strategy) 5 Goals: • Create a Compact Urban Area • Support a Sustainable Economy • Protect the Environment and Respond to Climate Change Impacts • Develop Complete Communities • Support Sustainable Transportation Choices Healthy Parks Healthy People “Children who experience high levels of contact with nature are reported to have higher levels of self-worth and higher cognitive function.” -N. Wells (2000)- Regional Park System Regional Parks Vision “ … to protect the region’s important natural areas” “ … within the context of natural area protection, to provide opportunities to connect with, enjoy, be active within and learn about the region’s environment” “Metro Vancouver focuses on protecting exceptional representative regional landscapes and providing opportunities for passive outdoor recreation, nature study and community stewardship.” Ecological Health Role of Regional Parks Ecological Health Developed or No Ecological Lands Sensitive & Modified Ecosystems An estimated 90% of MV Regional Parkland is considered as sensitive Aldergrove Regional Park Kanaka Creek Regional Park Capilano River Regional Park Minnekhada Regional Park Deas Island Regional Park Pacific Spirit Regional Park Boundary Bay Regional Park Regional Park Ecological Services  Metro Vancouver Regional Parks protect natural landscapes which on an annual basis provide Ecosystem Service Benefits estimated at: $71,825,398 -David Suzuki Foundation- Visiting Regional Parks 1. TRAILS (350km): For walking, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, cycling, and nature viewing; 2. PICNIC AREAS (42) – for families and group bookings; 3. BEACHES (4), RIVER and WATERFRONT access for nature viewing, swimming and fishing. Most Popular Activities - 2010 2010 1 2 Walking or hiking for pleasure or exercise Response 92% Picnicking in small groups 77% 3 4 5 Outdoor swimming & beach activities 70% Outdoor events (e.g., concerts, interpretive tours, festivals, etc.) 63% Nature or wildlife viewing 55% 2015 Regional Parks Budget • 2015 Budget $33,360,851 • Heritage Parkland Acquisition Fund $5 Million • Capital Expenditures $6.02 million • Capital Maintenance $1.6 million Regional Parks Visits and Volunteers Park Partners Partner Association Volunteers Role of Regional Parks Regional Parks Programs and Events Adventure and Curiosity Volunteer Planting Programs Explore and Discover Nature Regional Park Service Review STUDY DIRECTON: “examine the long‐term regional parks function, the relevance of the parks function in the future, and how the growth of the function will be managed." Surrey Bend Regional Park Reserve Widgeon Marsh Regional Park Reserve Pacific Parklands Foundation Since 2000, PPF has leveraged almost $5,000,000 with funds being used to support programs such as:  Catching the Spirit  Lower Mainland Green Team  Studies  Commemorative and Memorial Gifts  Regional Park Projects THANK YOU