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A Letter From The President

Dear Garden Enthusiasts,
What a wonderful spring we had. The gardens are simply flourishing and now, with a bit of rain, I can smell the roses as they flower into their glorious fullness. With summer here, I hope you have time to visit both the VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Bloedel Conservatory.

For those of you who are new to us, and for the many of you who have been devoted followers for a long time, I am pleased to catch you up on the news of the day and what is ahead.  

As many of you know, VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory are jointly operated by the VBGA (Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association) and the Park Board; this means both bodies share responsibility for the day to day running of the gardens. This close and longstanding relationship is best represented in what we all get to see every day at both locations.

The work we, the VBGA, do together with the Park Board is defined by the roles and responsibilities in our joint operating agreement, which was most recently updated in 1994. Both the VBGA and Park Board recognize that a great deal has changed in the last 25 years. We agree that our current operating agreement needs to be reviewed and refreshed in order for VanDusen Garden and Bloedel Conservatory to remain relevant, forward looking and efficiently run so future generations can enjoy what these wonderful grounds offer.

Over the next twelve months, the VBGA and Park Board will embark on updating this longstanding joint operating agreement (JOA). In my role as President of the VBGA board, I see it as my responsibility to communicate directly with our supporters to provide timely updates on the upcoming renegotiation of the JOA because the terms agreed upon will impact how the gardens and their programs will be run, operated and managed. I anticipate the process starting this summer and will last at least one year.

The Park Board in consultation with the VBGA have hired independent consultants to work with both parties to complete a strategic business review. This evaluation process will result in an exciting, new, long term vision for the Bloedel Conservatory and VanDusen Botanical Garden. To support this long-term direction, an economic analysis, review and redefinition of the operating, financial and governance models will be undertaken to facilitate the development of an updated joint operating agreement between the VBGA and Park Board.
 
Current division of responsibilities as per the 1994
Joint Operating Agreement (JOA)
VBGA Responsibilities

Education  
Our library is open and offers Adult Education, Summer Camps, Field Trips, and Teacher Pro-D (where teachers can develop gardening skills, ecology knowledge, and ability to teach students in the great outdoors)
 
Volunteers
Volunteers look after the front desk (Visitor Services), give all the tours both at VanDusen and Bloedel, conduct the Birdwalk tours, work in the library, field trips, summer camps and other areas.

Membership
VBGA Membership includes unlimited general admission to VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory throughout the year, as well as special opportunities and discounts.

Fundraising
We raise funds to underwrite the costs of the education department, volunteer guide services, the library and garden collections, and special projects.
Park Board Responsibilities
  • Gardening & Landscaping  
  • Physical Operations of Gardens
  • Operations of the gift shop & restaurants
  • Facility Rentals
  • Weddings
  • Movie Shoots
  • Special Events
  • (In addition to the plants Park Board also looks after the birds at Bloedel Conservatory)
 


 
I am proud to have such a strong and vibrant community to update as we enter this important time in the life of the gardens and the VBGA. I look forward to communicating with you over the coming months.

All the best,


President, Vanocuver Botanical Gardens Association

 
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You are receiving this email because you are or were a member of the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA). The VBGA is a registered charitable organization that raises funds to support educational programs and Garden projects at VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory. Charitable Registration Number 11928 1301 RR0001

Our mailing address is:
VBGA
5251 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1
Canada

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