Staff gag order slowing up Vancouver Park Board transition planning – BC [Video]

Work to abolish the Vancouver Park Board is facing challenges behind the scenes due to a directive from the elected body ordering staff not to cooperate with the transition team.

Global News has obtained the latest internal communication from Vancouver city staff outlining progress so far in work to eliminate the park board, along with what are seen as priority actions.

The internal update from the city’s deputy manager makes multiple mentions of park board staff being directed not to engage on issues related to the transition.

“This creates unique challenges not normally encountered in restructuring efforts and means we cannot finalize plans until we can validate some information with the parks and recreation management team,” the memo states.

“As soon as the transition happens, we will connect with the parks and recreation management team to discuss this work and how we will engage staff moving forward.”

Because of the effective gag order, the deputy city manager …