Overview of discussions at the May 20, 2026 VVCA board meeting:

– presentation by Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN). They are an investigative unit of the Provincial Protective Services and target properties that may harbour illegal activities (drugs, prostitution, abuse, gang, etc). They are peace officers, work with local police and other services, and can issue warnings, require residents to vacate a property, or issue safety orders that can temporarily close a property or business. Complaints can be done confidentially by phone or online.
– SUM theatre in the park on THURSDAY MAY 21, 7PM, Grosvenor Park
– Spring cleanup is Saturday May 30, 8:30AM-1PM, Church of Latter Day Saints parking lot (10th & Cumberland). Come out and help clean the neighbourhood!
– Arbor Week is next week, and includes a presentation by VVCA members discussing the tree planting area on 14th Street.
– would like to request a report from our City Councillor for each meeting.
– Brunskill School is hosting a Movie in the Schoolyard on June 3. VVCA will contribute to event.
– Brunskill School is fundraising to add playground equipment to the schoolyard. VVCA will contribute to the fund.
– Street sweeping has begun in the city. Check the city website for dates for your streets.
– President Murray new trees have been determined (larch, ash, walnut and oak). No date on planting yet.
– Albert Community Centre daycare is fundraising to upgrade their playground fencing.
– All spring programs going well. Some new programs may be coming in the fall (sewing, abstract art). May be some price increases for programs in the fall. Some ESL students have been subsidized by Barb’s generosity and cost as a barrier policy. Need to determine with City about funding for policy. Fall registration will be September 10 & 15.
– still looking for an Equipment Coordinator.
– would like to have a co-editor for the VVCA newsletter. Deadline for fall issue is August 1.
– Community garden had their work-bee on May 13. Have to fix the water valve at the school. Waiting list for garden plots.
– committee will have a meeting about the Colonial on June 11.
– President Murray Park committee had some ideas for park. Need a plan and timeframe from City. Wondering how to get on the list for the park updates? Plans to install ‘poo’ bags in park to decrease amount of dog feces left in the park by bad pet owners. High costs to replace benches, lighting or pathways.
– letter to be sent to government about City campaign donations by developers.
– upzoning position statement accepted as guidance for the board.
– Tulip & Flower festival is underway, with a few uptakes in participation already. Some media coverage as well.
– VVCA to write letter about derelict house on Osler Street – potential fire danger and health concerns.
– next meeting is a social get-together in June.