Key takeaways:
- Security crew and park rangers were at the Tuesday meeting to assure protection.
- Pressures raced high between Dumont and public speakers on Monday, the last of whom called the park board team a “shame” and told staff that the mobility study was ideologically motivated.
The Vancouver Park Board resumed hearing from the public on Tuesday night regarding the future of bike routes in Stanley Park after Monday’s meeting was cut short.
The meeting was completed by Park Board Commissioner Camil Dumont, who was working as meeting chair, after “trouble” caused by components of the public in the gallery, according to a report by General Manager Donnie Rosa.
Tensions flew high between Dumont and public speakers on Monday, the latest of whom called the park board team a “shame” and told staff that the mobility study was ideologically motivated.
On Tuesday, the meeting continued with public associates continuing to speak passionately, albeit more respectfully, in help of — or resistance to — keeping the bike routes in Stanley Park.
Before listening to the speakers, Dumont read Rosa’s written information in reply to the Monday evening meeting.
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The report said numerous public members had shouted at commissioners and staff in attendance, cussing and beating on the chamber doors. It also said a speaker was bullied as they exited the podium.
“To be precise, the Park Board includes passionate debate and conversation,” reads Rosa’s written notice.
“Last evening’s meeting took a bend that meant we could not assure the safety of the public, staff, and commissioners.”
The general manager told park rangers had to accompany commissioners and staff out of the facility on Monday.
Safety staff and park rangers were at Tuesday’s meeting because of cussing and bullying.
Source – CBC News
