Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has directed staff to report back during the Regional Parks strategic planning process on additional options for parking revenues in Regional Parks. This is with a view toward maintaining accessibility for diverse parks users, and ensuring fairness for users across the regional parks system. Suggested paid parking changes and other new revenue generation opportunities are on hold and will be further evaluated during the strategic planning process.
In October 2019 at a Regional Parks Committee meeting, staff identified that the current financial and human resources were no longer sufficient to meet asset renewal demands. This meeting resulted in a motion that staff report back in 2020 on strategies to ensure sufficient finding is in place in future years to sustain the regional parks service delivery. In November 2020, a Regional Parks Revenue Generation Strategy 2021-2024 and Regional Parks Revenue Generation Review were presented to the Committee and referred back to staff with revised recommendations. At the February 24, 2021 Regional Parks Committee meeting, the amended strategy was presented at which time the Committee recommended that the revenue strategy be assessed through the strategic planning process.
The 2012-2021 Regional Parks Strategic Plan sets the strategic direction for the regional parks service; however, its term ends in 2021. Staff will commence a review and update process in the fall of 2021 and submit an updated plan to the Board for consideration in 2022. An updated Strategic Plan will reflect outcomes from newer CRD plans, reports and strategies, such as the Climate Action Plan, the Regional Transportation Plan, the First Nations Task Force Report, the Land Acquisition Strategy, Regional Trails Management Plan and other completed regional parks management plans.
Regional Parks will further develop a detailed project and engagement plan to present back to Committee later in 2021.
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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