VANCOUVER - Vancouver council is under sustained fire from residents on the city's east side for considering a $208-million renovation plan for Hastings Park they say doesn't adequately reflect the desires of the community.
And the issue shows no sign of going away.
On Tuesday night council heard only 18 of more than 60 speakers signed up to give their views on the 20-year renovation plan, which includes an expansion of Playland, the addition of a large number of buildings and the restoration of a historic creek.
Many of those who spoke objected to the continuing commercialization of the park, particularly with trade shows. Others argued that the park, which is administered by the city-appointed corporate PNE Board, should be run by the city's park board. Several people also objected to a plan to expand Playland from 14 to 24 acres.
Coun. Ellen Woodsworth, one of two COPE councillors, said it's clear that residents around the park are unsatisfied with the renovation plans, which she called "more of a landscaping job.
"I heard people say that they want a truly green park and that they want connectors. I don't think they are happy with something that really doesn't give the park back to the community but instead keeps it behind fences," she said.
Coun. Andrea Reimer, who chairs the planning and environment committee, said she's hopeful the remaining speakers will be heard on Thursday night when council reconvenes. But she said it's not likely that council will make any decision before next Tuesday, since the speakers' list is so long.
Reimer said many of the concerns she heard Tuesday revolve around opposition to what she called "shoe sales," commercial trade show events. She said council may also look at changing the way the park is governed.
The proposed renovation plan is the outcome of a six-year effort by council to modernize and re-green the park after the provincial government gave the Pacific National Exhibition to the city.
jefflee@vancouversun.com
Twitter.com/sunciviclee
Blog: www.vancouversun.com/jefflee
