The ThunderBlogs

The Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park was unanimously saved Monday evening from the Vancouver Park Board budget chopping-block, following months of public outcry.

Park Board members voted to accept a proposal that will integrate the operation and management of the Conservatory with the VanDusen Botanical Garden.  The two facilities will work collaboratively with the Park Board.

A crowd gathered at the Vancouver Park Board head office to witness the decision.  Three rows of long green upholstered pews were full of spectators by 7 p.m., when the meeting was called to order.  A group of onlookers huddled near the doorway.  A Park Board staff member entered with an armful of stackable chairs and lined them up in front of the benches.  The overflow seating filled quickly as well.

As the proceedings wore on, one by one, circling the roundtable, the Park Board Commissioners expressed their support for the proposal.

“Bloedel was left to wither, it was ignored and we found ourselves in this crisis and through this crisis we have renewed our love for this incredible institution for this incredible amenity that we have.   And I’m very proud of the people of Vancouver for standing up and saying no to a decision that was made that was wrong,” said Commissioner Stuart Mackinnon.

The crowd that had amassed near the doorway stirred and chattered excitedly as it became apparent that the motion would pass.  And, with a unanimous vote, the crowd burst into applause, a standing ovation and a few congratulatory cheers.

“This is a remarkable achievement, I think the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association and the Friends of Bloedel can be so proud of themselves for doing this,” said Mackinnon.

The Friends of Bloedel Association and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association filed a joint submission recommending this collaborative approach, after a Request for Expressions of Interest was issued by Parks staff on Jan. 29, 2010. The joint submission was presented to the Park Board’s Services and Budgets Committee on July 10, 2010.  At that time the Park Board expressed considerable support for the proposal.

This is in stark contrast to a Nov. 13, 2009, Park Board Meeting that identified the Conservatory as a facility that could be cut to address a $2.8 million operating budget shortfall for 2010.  However, a public outcry, rallied by the Friends of Bloedel, forced the Park Board to reconsider the fate of the 41-year-old plant and bird sanctuary.

“We’re just thrilled that this little jewell at the top of our city is going to be there for many many years and we’re going to continue to work extremely hard on it,” said John Coupar, president of the Friends of Bloedel Association.