'We need more rangers': Vancouver Park Board aiming to double size of ranger program
The Vancouver Park Board is hoping to double the size and cost of its park ranger program.
On Monday night, board commissioners endorsed Phase 1 of the “Park Ranger Service Model.”
General manager Donnie Rosa said the scope of responsibilities for rangers has increased.
“There are times where they’re protecting mother turtles and their eggs and there are times when they’re bringing water to people in distress who might be experiencing homelessness,” Rosa said.
According to the report presented at Monday night’s meeting, the current program has a “base labour budget” of $1.3 million, funding the equivalent of 15 full-time ranger positions. The new proposal is seeking to more than double the program to $3.1 million to fund the equivalent of 31 full-time positions.
The report also shows a predicted overspend on wages of $1.1 million for 2021, due to overtime expenses.
By increasing the number of rangers, the new model proposes to establish “Specialized Task Teams” to deal with homeless encampments in parks. Rosa said teams would require additional training “like crisis prevention, things like being trauma-informed and harm reduction, cultural awareness.”
Responsibilities of these teams would go above and beyond the current role of a park ranger, including needle sweeps in parks and assisting with those experiencing homelessness.
“The real focus of the park ranger is actually engagement, it’s building trust, it’s building relationships in the community,” Rosa said.
In addition, the board is also considering establishing roles with peace officer status, giving rangers more powers to enforce by-laws.
Previously, park rangers could only issue tickets for smoking in parks. This month, they were also given the authority to issue tickets for feeding wildlife after experts repeatedly said feeding animals led to aggressive coyote behaviour.
Troy DeSouza is a lawyer with Dominion GovLaw LLP, with expertise in by-law enforcement and local government law. He says it “makes sense” to give rangers more enforcement powers, rather than needing additional assistance from police agencies.
“What you want is empowerment of these regulatory officials so that they can actually enforce the law,” DeSouza said.
The current proposal is being sent to Vancouver City Council for budget approval. Rosa anticipates hiring additional staff in the new year if the funding is granted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Irving Oil former president dies at age 93
Arthur L. Irving, chairman emeritus and former president of Irving Oil, has died at the age of 93.