The future of public outdoor recreation in Vancouver is uncertain after the city’s Park Board was ordered to cut $15 million from its 2026 operating budget as part of Mayor Ken Sim’s plan to freeze property taxes.
According to an article of Time Colonist, the cut represents more than 15 per cent of the board’s projected $98 million operating budget and could significantly affect the city’s parks, trails, beaches and recreational facilities.
According to a briefing document released by Park Board commissioner Laura Christensen, core outdoor services are at risk, including park maintenance, tree care, beach upkeep, trail grooming, sports field management and golf course operations.
These services are heavily relied upon by residents and visitors who use Vancouver’s outdoor spaces year-round and form a key part of the region’s outdoor recreation economy.
“The public deserves a clear, informed understanding of the magnitude and scope of these proposed cuts before city council votes on the budget in the coming weeks,” Christensen wrote.
A public meeting was conducted last November 4, ahead of a wider city council budget discussion on November 12
The board is also responsible for community access to nature-based recreation programs, including outdoor fitness, youth activity programs, and services for seniors and people with disabilities.
The cuts may also reduce park staffing and could delay seasonal maintenance and repairs, raising safety concerns and limiting park access.
Commissioner Brennan Bastyovanszky called the mayor’s budget plan “reckless” and warned that jobs tied to front-line park operations could be affected.
“The cuts to park board are too severe. They’re going to have a disproportionate impact on people’s day-to-day lives,” he said.
In addition to the $15 million in cuts, the Park Board has also been instructed to generate $8.9 million in new revenue next year.
That could lead to higher user fees, increased parking costs at popular outdoor destinations, and expanded commercial activity in parks—moves that could make outdoor recreation less affordable for families.
Mayor Sim has rejected criticism of the plan and said it does not represent an austerity approach. He said the goal is to “get back to basics” while still maintaining public services.
The budget decision will have ripple effects beyond City Hall, as Vancouver’s parks are essential to outdoor recreation and tourism.
Reduced maintenance or access could hurt RV travel, campgrounds and outdoor businesses, while pushing more visitors toward already busy provincial parks and recreation areas.