Overview of discussions at the January 21, 2026 VVCA board meeting:

– Brunskill rink is on the City’s list to have its light poles replaced in the future.
– City community cleanup meeting is February 5.
– VVCA bylaw review to be done by small committee.
– 9-10 trees to be planted in President Murray park later this year, once stumps are gone.
– City park improvement grant applications open next month. Could be used for additional trees? Or assist with Albert Childcare Coop playground upgrades?
– discussion about issues around Colonial Square Inn. Homeless, vagrants appear to congregate, causing problems in area and neighbourhood. Collected data showed ~60% of nuisance and crime issues in neighbourhood were related to the Colonial. Manager in attendance noted problems seem to have started during COVID. They have placed ‘no loitering’ signage and employed security people and cameras, but would like better police enforcement and action. Small VVCA committee will arrange meeting with police liaison, City Councillor, Colonial manager, others.
– cross country ski trails have been groomed in Grosvenor Park.
– thank you to Angela (and Barb) for organizing the Skate Party at Brunskill rink on January 16. Well attended event even though the weather was very cold. Also big thank you to rink crew – the ice was great despite the melt earlier in the week.
– most programs going ahead, except for Learn to Skate and ESL Written English due to low registrations. Cost as a barrier funds could be used for low enrolment programs. Spring program registration scheduled for March 24.
– rink in good shape. Cost for water shed too prohibitive. Will make do with longer hose. Some more rink advertiser renewals confirmed.
– spring newsletter content and ad deadline Feb. 25. Need to print and distribute before spring registration date. Also to give notice of April AGM.
– discussions about whether VVCA should have a ‘blanket’ response to non-conforming developments or review case-by-case. Issue raised due to 6-storey development proposed on Clarence Avenue, which is a 4-storey maximum zoned area.
– concerns by resident about a proposed 4-storey development adjacent his house near Wiggins and 13th. Development is part of City / Housing Accelerator Fund rezoning.
– next meeting is Wednesday, February 25, 2026.