NPA Vancouver

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2013

2013-05-13T18:09:19Z

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2012

Time: Registration at 1:30pm (closed 2:30pm). Meeting commences at 2:00pm

**Family BBQ to immediately follow the AGM at 4:00pm**

Location: Hellenic Community Centre, 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Bylaw 10 of the Vancouver Non-Partisan Association (NPA) that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the Hellenic Community Centre, 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, British Columbia for the following purposes:

1. To approve the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting;
2. Matters arising therefrom;
3. To receive the reports of the President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committees;
4. To elect 6 directors for the ensuing year;
5. To approve the transaction of other business as may properly come before this meeting.

Eligibility to Vote

In order to vote at the AGM, you must be a member in good standing of the NPA for at least 30 days immediately preceding the AGM (May 15th, 2013). The Board of Directors has agreed to waive the 30 day rule for those whose membership has expired in the 12 months following the June 28th, 2012, AGM and who renew before and/or at the June 15th AGM prior to registration closing.

Key Deadline Dates

If you wish to be a candidate for the election to the NPA board, intend to propose other motions that the membership will consider at the AGM, please be aware of the following.

Candidates for the Board of Directors

Nominations of the Directors, pursuant to Bylaw 22 of the Constitution shall be made by two (2) Members in good standing as a proposer and seconder. Nominations for the election of Directors shall be made in writing and delivered to the Association at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the AGM, no later than May 31st, 2013.

Any member of the NPA wishing to stand for nomination as a director to the Board of Directors must secure a Board of Directors Nomination Package by requesting one from Natasha Westover, NPA Political Organizer, at info@npavancouver.ca, and fulfill all of the following criteria:

• Submit their written nomination endorsed by two members in good standing of the NPA (with contact information: name, address, postal code, telephone numbers: resident, work and/or cell, and email) to the Political Organizer of the NPA via mail, courier or signed/scanned email no later than May 31st, 2013.

• The Political Organizer will only receive written nominations at the address for delivery as noted below or through a signed, scanned and dated email. A Board of Directors Nomination Package must be completed. Nominators and seconders must provide detailed information: name, address, mailing address, postal code, telephone numbers: residence, work, cell, and email. Persons nominated as directors must also return signed copies of the Guidelines & Covenant and Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Regular Motions

Anyone wishing to submit a motion, pursuant to Bylaw 13, for the membership to consider at an AGM other than a motion to amend the Bylaws of the NPA, must submit their motion in writing to the Secretary of the NPA, no later than May 31st, 2013. Signed, scanned and emailed documents are also accepted. Motions must include the names of the mover and seconder. Detailed contact information for the mover and seconder must include: name, address, mailing address, postal code, telephone numbers: residence, work, cell and email.

Address for Board of Directors Nomination Package and Notices

Written nominations, proposed amendments to the NPA Bylaws and motions for consideration at the AGM must be submitted to the following addresses only. If delivered by mail, the document must be postmarked no later than May 31st, 2013 midnight at the address noted below.

Natasha Westover, Political Organizer
NPA Vancouver
PO Box 939, Station A
Vancouver, BC V6C 2N7
info@npavancouver.ca

Drop off in person or by courier - Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. No later than May 31st, 2013 at 5:00pm. Kindly ensure your package is clearly marked.

Natasha Westover, Political Organizer
NPA Vancouver
c/o Armstrong Group
Suite 3005 - 700 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1B6

Any written nominations, proposed amendments or motions received after the due date or at addresses other than those shown above or in the Board Nomination Package will NOT be accepted. The Political Organizer and Secretary cannot grant any extensions, exceptions, or accept delivery at any other location.

Other Information

Pursuant to Bylaw 10, you may receive this notice at the last email or mailing address known to the NPA. If you have any further questions please contact the NPA Political Organizer at the email address below.

Natasha Westover, Political Organizer of the Vancouver Non-Partisan Association

In order to register and/or vote at the meeting, you must have two (2) pieces of identification with one being a photo identification and address.

Dated at Vancouver, British Columbia, the 13th day of May, 2013.
Natasha Westover
info@npavancouver.ca

NPA Councillor Seeks Support for Craft Breweries

2013-04-17T02:38:39Z

A motion put forward by NPA Councillor George Affleck, on the regulatory changes needed to permit micro-breweries and distilleries on industrial land to sample products produced on-site, is expected to be unanimously passed at next Tuesday's Council meeting.

"Current City of Vancouver regulations do not allow for brewery and distillery operations to offer customers samples and purchasing options. I'm asking staff to come back to Council with recommendations on how we can change that" says Affleck.

"This motion is intended to bring the City of Vancouver up to date with Provincial policy directives, and is aimed at giving local breweries and distilleries a greater chance to thrive while adding to the vibrancy of the city's robust food scene."

"I've already received a great deal of support from the Mayor's office since submitting the motion and am confident it will receive unanimous support at the Council table."

Councillor Affleck's motion will be debated at the April 23rd, 2013 City Council meeting.

Enabling the Micro-brewery and Distillery Industry

MOVER: George Affleck
SECONDER:

WHEREAS:

1. The City of Vancouver prides itself on its local tourism sector;

2. The City of Vancouver wants to foster a robust local food scene, which includes the distilling of spirits, the making of wine and brewing of craft beer;

3. The Province of BC announced Policy Directive 13-02 effective March 1, 2013, which allows for changes to brewery and distillery operations in the province and the ability for customers to sample and purchase locally produced spirits and beer for on-site consumption;

4. The policy change thus align regulations for brewers and distillers with wineries who have been able to serve and sell wine for on-site consumption for years

5. The City of Vancouver's Zoning and Development Bylaw only permits micro-breweries, wineries and distilleries on industrial land to serve or sell product in a limited way because industrial land is not zoned for liquor primary;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

A. THAT staff report back to Council on the required changes to the relevant regulations within the City of Vancouver that would permit micro-breweries, wineries and distilleries on industrial land to sample products produced on-site, thus being consistent with provincial liquor policy.

Spring Is Here - Updates & Events!

2013-04-10T18:00:28Z

Over the past few months the NPA has been enjoying a great amount of growth within the organization. We are advancing our organization by engaging our members and reaching out to the people of Vancouver through community and social events. Our Caucus are listening to what really matters to our city and ensuring that the NPA is representing those ideals in Council, Park Board and School Board on a daily basis. We are also fostering exciting renewal which will include in a solid policy platform which will roll out in the coming months.

The NPA is listening, preparing and organizing to ensure that in 2014 we have a government that will create a vibrant, prosperous, livable city - with well-paying jobs, affordable housing, accountability and growth.

Our NPA Caucus
The NPA Caucus has been hard at work, listening and acting on the concerns that matter to the citizens of Vancouver. NPA Councillors George Affleck and Elizabeth Ball are standing up for Vancouver taxpayers by questioning Vision Vancouver's spending priorities and insisting on the smart use of taxpayer dollars. From transportation solutions to cultural opportunities, including a New Years event, our Councillors, are pursuing opportunities with partners to make Vancouver a world-class, livable city.

NPA Park Board Commissioners John Coupar and Melissa De Genova are advocating for
community centre associations and promoting the stewardship of our parks and green spaces in contrast to Vision Vancouver's green-washing.

NPA School Board Trustees Fraser Ballantyne, Ken Denike, and Sophia Woo have been
looking at practical solutions to the cost and delivery of the BC education plan in schools. NPA Trustees have been urging the Board to explore the small programs of personalized learning currently in place in Vancouver schools and to keep the Vancouver School Board well managed and effective.

2013 Chinese New Year Parade & Gala
This years Chinese New Year Parade and Gala were a great success and our caucus members were thrilled to take part in the festivities.

Councillor George Affleck with Park Board Commissioners, John Coupar and Melissa De Genova handing out NPA red envelopes at the CNY parade!

Under 40 Committee
The NPA U40 Committee is made up of a group of excited young professionals from all across the city who focus on engaging the next generation to ensure their voices are heard. Over the past six months they have held two successful social events and have doubled the size of their committee. Contact us if you are interested in getting involved and stay tuned for more fun social events in the coming months!

St. Patrick's Day Social Success
On March 13th, 2013, the U40 Committee held a social event at the Granville Room. This event brought out many of Vancouver's young up and coming business and community leaders. Speakers included, NPA Councillor, George Affleck and NPA Park Board Commissioner, Melissa De Genova. Each of them spoke about affordability for the Under 40s in Vancouver as well as the importance of getting involved through volunteering and engaging their networks. Thanks to organizers, Natasha Westover, Eli Zbar and Tim Laidler for pulling together a great event and a special thanks to our volunteer, Danny Buntain.

NPA Commissioner Melissa De Genova with new Under 40 members.

Under 40 social event at the Granville Room.

2013 AGM & Community BBQ
We are gearing up for our 2013 AGM this June 15th, 2013 at the Hellenic Community Centre. Our focus will be on the election of our Board of Directors, as well as updating our membership of our positive progress in the past year. If you would like to put your name forward for the Board please contact our Political Organizer, Natasha Westover for a Board of Directors Nomination Package.

Following the AGM we will head next door to the Hellenic Gardens at Quilchena Park for a Community BBQ. This event is open to all members as well as those interested in the NPA and membership. More information on the AGM & BBQ to follow in the next month.

We look forward to seeing you this June!

Check Your Membership
Do you know if your membership has or is about to expire? Remember to ensure you are an active member 30 days before the AGM. Any membership inquiries can be made at info@npavancouver.ca or 778-837-8084.

We are ready and willing to do the work and we need your support. You can sign-up to become a member, donate to the organization or even simply follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay engaged.

Contact Us Today!
EMAIL
FACEBOOK
TWITTER @NPAVancouver

NPA Honours Former Mayor Art Phillips

2013-03-31T23:50:49Z

Mayor Art Phillips was an innovator and a visionary whose work was instrumental in modernizing Vancouver. He made livability in the city a key priority encouraging green space and the development of our stunning waterfront. He is considered one of the most influential political figures in Vancouver.

"Mayor Art Phillips was not only a champion of arts and culture but he was instrumental in building a modern, vibrant and livable city," said NPA Caucus Chair Elizabeth Ball. Art Phillips was key in building Vancouver. He encouraged redevelopment of south False Creek and of Granville Island. He saved the Orpheum Theatre, created the Property Endowment Fund and was instrumental in adding social housing to Vancouver.

"Mayor Phillips recognized the importance of public consultation and took it to the next level," says George Affleck, NPA City Councillor. "He ensured that people in our community attend hearings and City Council meetings by holding public hearings and Council meetings at times and places in the community where people could attend."

Art Phillips was born and raised in Vancouver. He was an Alderman before serving as the Vancouver's 32nd mayor for two terms from 1972 to 1976. He went on to be elected as the Liberal MP for Vancouver Centre in 1979 and later became a parliamentarian in the election that led to Progressive Conservative Joe Clark's minority government. In 2010, Art Phillips was made a Freeman of the City, the highest honour that can be bestowed on a city resident.

The NPA Caucus and Association extends its sincere condolences to Carole Taylor and Art Phillip's family and friends on his passing. We remember his expansive spirit and strong commitment to the people of Vancouver. We celebrate Art Phillips for his dedication to building our great city.

NPA Calls for Resignation of Park Board Chair

2013-03-14T23:13:29Z

NPA Park Board Commissioners are calling for the resignation of Park Board Chair, Sarah Blyth, after a defamatory comment was made yesterday about Commissioner Melissa De Genova.

In response to the Chair's comment, Commissioner De Genova issued the following statement:

"Commissioner Blyth's comment was unparliamentary, appears to be defamatory and is not a comment that should be made by the Chair of the Vancouver Park Board."

"I'm here to debate the issues that affect the people of Vancouver and expect that all Commissioners will treat each other with respect. I am asking for her immediate resignation."

The offending comment was sent to Vancouver Courier reporter, Sandra Thomas, in response to an article detailing Vision Vancouver's inability to follow through on public consultation surrounding Community Centre Associations.

Vision Flip Flops on Public Consultation for Community Centres

2013-03-08T22:40:00Z

NPA Park Board Commissioner Melissa De Genova's motion calling for staff to prepare a plan for public consultation regarding the new community centre model was passed unanimously at the February 25, 2013 Park Board meeting but the actions called for in the motion will not make it to the next Park Board meeting as planned.

Commissioner De Genova's motion which was unanimously supported by the Park Board signalled real progress towards public consultation. However, the Vision Vancouver dominated Board has taken another step backwards. On Thursday March 7 Commissioners received a memo from staff informing them Vision Vancouver Park Board Chair had directed staff not to present a plan for public consultation and to remove this item from the agenda before the next Park Board meeting.

Only the 12 centres that are currently in negotiations were included in discussions about public consultation. The remaining 8 community centre associations were not invited to be part of this decision. The lack of transparency at Park Board and the disregard for this decision of the board comprises democratic process. Commissioner De Genova has released the following statement:

"This is Vision Vancouver's attempt to hide from the public yet again. It's clear they never intended to engage the public in true consultation. They made up their minds in the backroom, not the board room, and pretended to endorse my motion only to try to make it quietly disappear in order to suit their agenda which is not in the best interest of the public."

"Community centres are the hearts of our neighbourhoods and public consultation is the key to ensuring success in updating the Joint Operating Agreements with the Associations. Vision Vancouver refuses to listen to the public who elected to them. They have ignored the majority of citizens who do not support this cash grab and are trying to force this through quickly and with no consultation. They are acting like a dictatorship and not a democracy." said Commissioner De Genova.

Recent polls confirm a large majority of Vancouver citizens are not in support of the new community centre model. This is the largest policy change in 125 years of Park Board history.

NPA Under 40 St. Patrick's Day Event

2013-03-01T23:34:31Z

RSVP to the Facebook Event Page Here

Follow us on Twitter

NPA Commissioner Hopes Third Time's a Charm for Public Consultation

2013-02-22T22:07:34Z

For the third time, NPA Commissioner Melissa De Genova will be bringing forward a motion calling for community consultation. NPA Commissioner De Genova's previous motions have been called out of order by the Vision Vancouver majority. The biggest change in public policy in the 125 years of Vancouver's Park Board history was accepted in principle at 3:30am on February 5th 2013. Vision Vancouver has kept the potential impact of these changes from public scrutiny. NPA Commissioner De Genova has released the following statement.

"Vision Vancouver is fundamentally changing the Community Centre model without proper consultation. The proposed changes to the operating model were pushed through at 3:30am following an 9 hour 'special' meeting without the opportunity to thoroughly consult with the public. I am hopeful that my fellow Commissioners will vote in favour of this motion and finally give the community a chance for open and transparent consultation."

"By calling my previous motions out of order Vision Vancouver is trying to force through their cash grab. If the public outrage had not reached the levels we have seen this month, I doubt the 'special' public meeting would have taken place, let alone a proper consultation process. If my motion passes on Monday, the consultation that I am calling for will give the public a chance to speak to Commissioners directly and possibly influence their decision in favour of local control of community centre programming and funds."

Open and transparent public consultation regarding the new community centre model

MOVER: Commissioner De Genova

SECONDER:

WHEREAS

1.Community Centre Associations in many cases raised the money to build the first Community Centres in Vancouver;

2. Community Centre Associations and their volunteer boards manage programming, and participate in grant writing and fundraising, which improves community centre facilities and programs;

3. A new operating and funding model is being discussed with many Community Centre Associations concerned with the new Community Centre Model that has been presented by Park Board.

4. Staff were directed at the Special Board meeting on February 4th 2013 to initiate a consultation across the city.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

A. The board direct staff that the consultation should include at least eight public meetings to be held in Vancouver community centres, throughout the city with Park Board Commissioners, staff, community stakeholders and the public.

NPA Park Board Commissioners to Address Community Concerns at Special Meeting

2013-02-01T16:35:07Z

Vancouver, BC - There has been a huge public outcry over Vision Vancouver's proposed community centre funding model. Emergency community meetings were held by two Vancouver community centres to update the public on the fundamental change being proposed between the Community Centre Associations and the Park Board, with many hundreds in attendance. In addition to the community meetings, Park Board Commissioners have received hundreds of emails, letters and phone calls from outraged citizens.

Despite NPA Commissioners efforts over past months, a public meeting hosted by the Vancouver Park Board to introduce the proposed changes to citizens was never implemented. Finally, a special meeting has been called for February 4th 2013 where the Community Centre partnership agreement will be discussed.

NPA Park Board Commissioners Melissa De Genova and John Coupar are concerned that the community has not had the opportunity to address the elected members of the Park Board or been consulted in a meaningful way regarding a new joint operating agreement. Melissa De Genova has tried to bring these changes to the public light and has been consistently muzzled by the Vision dominated board.

"It is beyond time that the Board publicly engage Community Centre Associations and the public to share their views regarding the new Joint-Operating Agreement." says Commissioner De Genova. "Public consultation and dialogue between Commissioners and the community is crucial to the success of this partnership. The associations work tirelessly and add immeasurable value to Vancouver's Community Centres. I urge my colleagues to support the motion I will put forward at the special meeting which will help us work collaboratively with all associations and benefit our Community Centres."

"The changes presented to community members at Kerrisdale community centre on Monday night are similar to using a sledgehammer to solve a problem that could be fixed with a screwdriver" adds Commissioner Coupar.

The Community Centre Associations have agreed to work with Park Board on principles including, core programing, universal access and leisure access cards. The only aspect they have not agreed to is Vision Vancouver's cash grab of their well managed assets that allow them to provide continuous service to their individual communities.

Commissioner De Genova will bring forward a motion (see below) to address the growing community concerns about the relationship between Community Centre Associations and the Park Board. The motion will be brought forward for discussion by Commissioners at the public Special Vancouver Park Board meeting on Monday February 4th 2013.

Park Board Meeting on Community Centres
February 4th at 6:30pm
870 Denman, West End Community Centre Auditorium

Register to speak HERE or call 604.257.8428

Open and Transparent Public Consultation regarding the new proposed community centre model

WHEREAS

1. Community Centre Associations in many cases raised the money, to build the first Community Centres in Vancouver;

2. Community Centre Associations and their volunteer boards manage programming, and participate in grant writing and fundraising, which improves community centre facilities and programs.

3. A new operating and centralized funding model has been proposed by Park Board Staff and many Community Centre Associations, stakeholders and citizens have expressed concern about both the model and the lack of public process

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1.That the board direct staff to organize a series of public meetings in community centres throughout neighbourhoods in Vancouver with Park Board Commissioners, staff, community stakeholders and the public to satisfy the community desire for dialogue and open public consultation regarding the relationship between Community Centre Associations and the Park Board.

2. That the board direct staff to work with Community Centre Associations to retain a third party facilitator for further discussions between Park Board and Community Centre Associations.

3. That following the meetings above, the board direct staff to define the issues and develop recommendations as to the ongoing relationship between the Board and the Community Centre Associations.

NPA Seeks Community Consultation

2013-01-29T21:10:30Z

NPA Park Board Commissioner Melissa DeGenova is calling for public consultation to address growing community concerns over the new community centre model. The motion will be debated at the next Vancouver Park Board meeting (February 25th 2013).

Open and Transparent Public Consultation Regarding the New Community Centre Model

WHEREAS

1. Community Centre Associations in many cases raised the money to build the first Community Centres in Vancouver;

2. Community Centre Associations and their volunteer boards manage programming, and participate in grant writing and fundraising, which improves community centre facilities and programs.

3. A new operating and funding model is being discussed in the press with many Community Centre Associations concerned with the new Community Centre Model that has been presented by Park Board.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1.That the board direct staff to organize a series of public meetings in community centres throughout different neighbourhoods in Vancouver with Park Board Commissioners, staff, community stakeholders and the pubic to satisfy the community desire for dialogue and open public consultation regarding the relationship between Community Centre Associations and the Park Board

2. That the board direct staff to work with Community Centre Associations to retain a third party facilitator for further discussions between Park Board and Community Centre Associations.