It looks like the BC Provincial Government may be changing the Park Board bylaws during the spring legislature session to allow drinking in our parks. 

According to MLA Niki Sharma, who used to be a Park Board Commissioner, people will drink responsibly, but the evidence at the Jericho Beach duck ponds, of young people using them as a pissoir suggests otherwise. This is bound to also happen at Vanier Duck Ponds. 

https://twitter.com/NikiSharma2/status/1387822046529290243?s=20

In an article in the Vancouver Sun on April 14, 21, the City was quoted as saying "We are expecting this could be addressed in the spring sitting of the B.C. legislature. Once the act is amended, the park board will proceed with enacting the bylaw needed to support the pilot, and staff will develop a pilot implementation plan.” 

https://vancouversun.com/news/when-can-adults-drink-alcohol-in-vancouver-parks

I'm very concerned about the impact of the crowds and noise on the wildlife at the Vanier Park Ponds, especially during breeding season and when they are raising their young during May through October. 

I'm considering what to do next as our pleas to the Park Board staff and Commissioners to remove this location are falling on deaf ears. I'll try sending out another email with the Petition link and details, and may also provide a list of Park Board Commissioners and key staff to email directly in another update. 

It boggles the mind that the Park Board staff and Commissioners have chosen this quiet, uncrowded and fragile natural habitat as a drinking zone. What on earth are they thinking? 

The best we may be able to hope for, if the Park Board refuses to change this location, is that people just carry on drinking where they usually do in the crowded areas and don't change their habits to go to a more isolated spot.