Hastings Park Conservancy

A Board of Directors governs the Conservancy and consists of members whom are both elected and appointed at the Annual General Meeting.

The purposes of the Society are:

A. To educate people about and assist with the implementation of the vision for Hastings Park as detailed in the Greening of Hastings Park Restoration Program, through:

• ensuring that the park is built in accordance with the mandate as defined in the vision statement, trust documents and plans for the park;
• ensuring that site programming is consistent with the purpose of the Society;
• assisting in the development of lease, rental and/or partnering agreements with user groups in site buildings; advising on the planning of capital and operating budgets;
• organizing outreach, promotion and community development activities;
• assisting with the development and operation of parking and support services;
• assisting with the recruitment of staff and volunteers.

B. To contribute to the health and welfare of the residents of East Vancouver, Vancouver City and the Greater Vancouver Region.

The HPC wants to partnership with Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation but we have been largely ignored by the City of Vancouver and the Park Board in recent years.

In 2000, the Park Board signed a Joint Operating Agreement with the Hastings Park Conservancy to insure that the local community and city-wide interests continue to be involved in the implementation of the park Plan and the operation of the facilities and spaces on site. Curiously, although negotiated by City staff and approved by the Park Board, this agreement was never ratified by Council.

Recently the City of Vancouver has taken a total about face regarding the greening of Hastings Park and has returned to maximum commercialization of the site with neither community consultation nor benefits.

The HPC Environmental Committee

The Environmental Committee is made up of a small number of dedicated volunteers who share a common vision – the continued re-greening of Hastings Park and the eventual daylighting of Hastings Creek. We organize and participate in activities in the park throughout the year, including a monthly Nature Walk through the Sanctuary, the annual Light Water Drums event, and during the summer, weekly picnics and bocce tournaments in the Italian Garden.

As part of our park stewardship initiative, we conduct Park Watch inspections where we record park activities, wildlife presence, plant life, and vegetation management and site maintenance issues. We routinely share our observations with Park Board and PNE staff, trying to protect natural values and enhance the public’s enjoyment of this Green Miracle.

We welcome new volunteers, come and check us out during a Nature Walk or at one of our monthly meetings, held at the Hastings Community Centre.

If you are a member and would like to become more involved by joining this Committee please let us know through our website.

The Education Committee and Local Schools Program

The Education Committee formed in 2007 with support and expertise from the NorthWest WildLife Preservation Society. It works with local schools to encourage the use of Hastings Park, foster environmental education, lead youth stewardship and support the long-term growth of HPC membership. Activities include nature walks in winter and spring, starting with elementary-age pupils, and then progressing into the high schools and to a growing number of local ecology clubs that serve both children and adults. For more information contact Linda Young at linyoung@telus.net.