Urges Council to issue formal thank you to Park donors
Mayor Sam Sullivan was joined by Park Board Chair Ian Robertson today to accept a cheque for $2 million from the Government of Canada for the restoration of Stanley Park.
The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, made the announcement of federal funding at Prospect Point in Stanley Park, their second visit in recent weeks. The Honourable Barry Penner, British Columbia’s Minister of the Environment, was also on hand for the presentation.
“On behalf of the citizens of Vancouver, I want to thank Minister Baird and Minister Lunn for their support and their commitment to helping the City of Vancouver restore this national treasure,” Mayor Sullivan said. “Today’s announcement is indicative of the strong relationship between the City and the Government of Canada and the fact that Vancouver’s needs are being heard in Ottawa.”
Park Board Chair Ian Robertson commented: “We are pleased to see such a quick response by the Federal Government to support our efforts to bring one of Canada’s great heritage sites back to its former glory. Stanley Park belongs to all Canadians.”
In a Council committee meeting this afternoon, Mayor Sullivan is supporting a motion by Councillor Kim Capri to formally thank the Federal Government, the Provincial Government, corporate donors and individuals who have given money to support park restoration efforts.
Councillor Capri’s motion, for which she is seeking unanimous Council approval, recommends that the City of Vancouver partner with CanWest Global Communications by placing advertisements in the Vancouver Sun and Province newspapers, acknowledging the efforts and financial support provided by individuals, corporations and senior levels of government.
“As a City Council, I think it is important for us to recognize the tremendous outpouring of support we have seen for Stanley Park,” the Mayor said. “The outstanding response from the community, the Province and the Federal Government warrants a formal statement of gratitude from the City.”
