Agenda Index City of Vancouver

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

TO:

Vancouver City Council

FROM:

General Manager of Parks & Recreation in consultation with the
Director of Finance

SUBJECT:

Hastings Park Restoration - Year 2001 Funding

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMENTS

POLICY

1. In January 1990, City Council approved that Hastings Park be restored to predominantly park use replacing asphalt and buildings with abundant green space and trees.

2. In March 1997, both City Council and the Park Board approved the Hastings Park Restoration Plan.

3. In July 1999, Council approved an Operating Agreement with the PNE. It has a three year term beginning January 1, 2000 and terminating December 31, 2002. Phase III park restoration is provided for in stages over the next three years. (see Appendix 1)

4. Council approves the Park Board Capital Budget, 2000-2002.

BACKGROUND

Following the approval of the Hastings Park Restoration in 1997, park restoration has progressed. Three phases have been completed to date:

Phase I: The first phase of the restoration involved demolition of the Food, Showmart and Display Barns as well as the B.C. Pavilion Buildings ($2.0 million). This was completed in the summer of 1998.

Phase II: The second phase was the Hastings Park Sanctuary at a cost $4.2 million and comprises 4 hectares of which 1.6 hectares are a biofiltration pond to treat storm water runoff (1999).

Phase III A: The first component of the third phase was the $3.8 million Il Giardino Gardens to which the Italian Garden Community has contributed financially.

The 2000 - 2002 Capital Plan includes funding to continue the redevelopment of Hastings Park. On November 20, 1999 the electorate approved borrowing questions which give Council the authority to issue debentures to pay for capital works including up to $5.25 million for Hastings and New Brighton Parks. Allocation of these funds to this purpose requires specific approval of Council.

Within the new operating agreement with the PNE is provision for proceeding with Phase III of the restoration program which is proposed to be completed over three years at a total estimated cost of $10.5 million.

DISCUSSION

Hastings Park Restoration Phase III B

The area of the Former Empire Stadium is the second component of phase III. This is a 5.5 hectare area and will be restored as sports fields (2000/20001). The Empire Bowl will be enlarged to accommodate two soccer fields and two softball diamonds. Also included are a fielhouse and an park entry point at Cassiar Street for Vancouver Heights residents.

The Empire Bowl project has a budget of $2,900,000 with funding to be derived from the 2000-2002 Capital Plan, the Hastings Park reserve and the balance from Phase III A.

The Hastings Park Reserve receives funding from the race track lease with the Pacific RacingAssociation. The balance in the reserve is $592,000.

Authorization of $2.69 million for the restoration project will permit the next phase of work to proceed in accordance with the Operating Agreement with the PNE. Funding is requested from borrowing authority approved as part of the 2000-2002 Capital Plan ($2.1 million) and from the Hastings Park Reserve ($590,000). Any unused funds will be available for the next component of Phase III.

CONCLUSION

The completion of Phase I, II and III A of the Hastings Park Restoration project have been successful in their intent to provide green public space. Advance approval of funding for Phase III B will help to meet obligations set out in the Operating Agreement with the PNE and will maintain the progression to complete park restoration as previously committed.

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