Stuart Mackinnon, former Commissioner and Chair of Vancouver’s Park Board, spearheaded several initiatives aimed at reconciliation, sustainability, accessibility, and humane urban management:
1. Indigenous
Reconciliation & “Truth‑Telling”
·
Colonial audit & apology
(2018): Mackinnon led the Park Board in conducting a “colonial audit” that
documented past injustices—such as displacement and burial‑site
disturbances—against the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil‑Waututh Nations. The
board acknowledged its colonial role and formally apologized to the Nations.
·
Traditional Indigenous naming
(2018): He introduced a motion urging the board to work with Indigenous
communities to identify and integrate traditional place names (co‑naming or
renaming parks and beaches).
·
Co‑management of parklands
(2022): As board chair, Mackinnon passed a landmark motion directing staff to
collaborate with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil‑Waututh Nations to define
and pursue co‑management arrangements for Vancouver parklands.
2. Environmental
Stewardship & Animal Welfare
·
Banned Cetaceans in captivity
(2017). After nearly 40 years of advocacy, Commissioner Mackinnon led the Board
in banning captive cetaceans from Vancouver parks.
·
Humane pest control (2019): He
successfully pushed for the Park Board to explore adopting BC SPCA’s AnimalKind
standards in rodent and wildlife control, minimizing unintentional harm to non‑target
species like owls and dogs.
·
East Fraser Lands park creation
(2019): As Chair, Mackinnon led the opening of Neighbourhood Park South—a
nearly 0.33 ha green space in a developing waterfront community—emphasizing
biodiversity, native planting, and public amenity.
3. Accessibility &
Active Transport
·
Reimagining vehicle access in
Stanley Park (2020): Mackinnon introduced a motion (co‑sponsored by
Commissioner Irwin) for staff to study the feasibility of reducing Stanley Park
Drive to one car lane year‑round, freeing space for walkers, cyclists, and
people with limited mobility.
4. Long‑Term Equity &
Infrastructure Planning
·
VanPlay strategic plan (2019):
Mackinnon backed the citywide parks and recreation master plan, VanPlay—a 25‑year
vision focused on equitable park access, using geospatial data to identify
underserved neighbourhoods and guide investment.
·
Capital investment (2019): As
board chair, he helped to unanimously pass a $399 million, 3‑year capital plan
(2019–22) to upgrade infrastructure, expand parkland—such as Marpole community
centre and Fraser‑River green spaces—and renew aging facilities.
5. Leadership &
Governance
·
Multiple terms & leadership
roles: Mackinnon has been elected Commissioner in 2008–11, 2014–18, 2018–22,
serving as Board Chair in 2017–18, 2018–19, and again in 2021–22. His
governance priorities included ecological sustainability, climate action, biodiversity,
active transportation, reconciliation, and inclusive public spaces.
Stuart Mackinnon left a notable legacy through his
long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, public access, and
community engagement.
🌿 Environmental Advocacy
·
He was a consistent voice for preserving
and enhancing Vancouver’s green spaces.
·
He emphasized park maintenance,
conservation, and ecological sustainability, often advocating for parks to
remain pristine and accessible to all.
🏛️ Public Service and Leadership
·
He served multiple terms as a Park Board
Commissioner: 2008–2011, 2014–2018, and 2018–2022.
·
Known for being well-prepared and
deeply informed, he earned respect for his thoughtful approach to policy
and governance.
🤝 Community-Centred Approach
·
Mackinnon championed strong
partnerships with community centre associations, opposing efforts that
undermined their autonomy.
·
He believed these associations were the “heart
of our neighbourhoods” and should be treated as collaborators, not adversaries.
🌸 Broader Civic Involvement
·
Beyond the Park Board, he contributed to civic
life as a Trustee of the Vancouver Public Library and a Governor
of the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association.
His legacy is one of thoughtful stewardship,
grassroots advocacy, and a deep belief in the power of public spaces to build
community
These accomplishments highlight
his role as a thoughtful, progressive leader who blends environmental
stewardship, social justice, and inclusive planning in public park governance.
