July's Community Conversations!
- Spencer van Vloten
- Jul 13
- 5 min read
Hello community leader!
Each month in Community Conversations, we look at issues, events, resources, and opportunities in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
If you're interested in receiving updates like this by email, sign up for my newsletter below! Also feel free to contact me if you're aware of any opportunities you'd like included.
All the best,
Update
Parks For The People
As a community advocate and Park Board candidate, I've been talking with hundreds of Vancouverites about how our parks, pools, community centres, and other public spaces can better serve the community. It is this input that will help shape the parks and rec spaces in the city. If you have any issues or questions, please reach out to me at hello@spencervancity.ca or join the team!
Community Engagement & Resources
Opportunity For Seniors
The West End Seniors Network is looking for a new board member! If you want to help build healthy, thriving communities for seniors, this is a great opportunity to contribute. Experience with marketing and social media is especially valuable, although people with all skills are encouraged to apply. Interested persons are invited to send an email to David Harvey, President of the Board at david@wesn.ca.
Be A Champion For People With Disabilities
The Province of BC is seeking up to 12 new members for the Presidents Group Advisory Committee, which advises the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction on inclusive employment for people with disabilities. Business leaders and employers with experience advancing workplace accessibility are encouraged to apply. Meetings are held virtually about four times per year, and applications close July 30, 2026
Sibling Support
The monthly Young Sibling Peer Support Network is open to children and youth aged 8-11 who have a sibling with a disability or chronic health condition. Youngsters can online from anywhere in BC. You may select a group to join based on location or time. Contact 604-875-3594 or siblingcentre@cw.bc.ca for more.
Improve How BC Engages Its Communities
The provincial government is seeking ways to improve the online public engagement experience.
Whether you have been using govTogetherBC to track and participate in projects for years or you have never heard of it before, they want your feedback about how to better consult with British Columbians about the projects and issues in their communities.
Improve How BC Engages Its Communities
Moms Stop The Harm is creating a program for youth by youth, and they want your help. If you know someone age 16 - 28 who has been impacted by substance use, and is interested in finding ways to support other youth with similar experiences, they want to hear from you. No prior advisory or work experience is necessary, and compensation will be provided.
Funds, Programs, & Awards Now Open
Prizes For Local Authors
PRISM international is accepting submissions to its annual writing contests, with cash prizes of up to $1,500 for outstanding poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, and very short forms. The contests also offer free entries for Black and Indigenous writers and limited fee waivers for low-income writers. Whether you're an emerging or established writer, it's a great opportunity to share your work, gain recognition, and connect with Canada's literary community.
Learn, Revitalize Language
The First Peoples' Cultural Council is now accepting applications for its Mentor-Apprentice and Youth Empowered Speakers Programs! These programs provide funding to young Indigenous language learners, and connect them with a mentor to help them learn more about Indigenous language and culture.
Inclusive Programs Now Open
The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation has openings in several upcoming programs for teens and adults with intellectual disabilities. Available programs include boxing, strength and conditioning, hip hop dance, the Petal Pals summer camp, and GROW (Gaining Relationships and Occupational Wins).
These inclusive programs provide opportunities to stay active, develop new skills, build confidence, and connect with others in a supportive environment.
In Focus: Become A Community Health Advisor
Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for community members to join its Community Engagement Advisory Network (CEAN), a volunteer group that helps improve health-care programs, services, and policies across the region.
Since 2009, CEAN members have shared their lived experiences and perspectives to help ensure health-care decisions better reflect the needs of patients, families, and communities.
Open to adults who live or work within the Vancouver Coastal Health region,
CEAN members can participate in focus groups, surveys, advisory committees, workshops, and policy reviews. It's a meaningful opportunity to influence the future of health care, learn new skills, and help create healthier communities across the region.
In Focus: Keeping Track Of Your Community
From housing to public spaces, several new initiatives are inviting residents to explore local issues and have their voices heard. Here are two worth checking out.
Explore Housing in Our Region
Metro Vancouver has launched a new Housing Data Dashboard that brings together a wide range of information on housing affordability, rental markets, homelessness, social housing, home ownership, construction, and demographic trends.
The interactive resource is designed to support researchers, policymakers, community organizations, and residents with up-to-date, region-wide housing information to help inform planning and public discussion.
Have Your Say on Granville Street's Future
This summer, a section of Granville Street has been converted into a pedestrian zone featuring expanded patios, additional public seating, art installations, events, and other public programming.
The City of Vancouver is seeking public feedback, which will help shape the long-term future of Granville Street and inform potential pedestrian zones elsewhere in the city. The survey is open until September 7, 2026, and is a great opportunity to share your thoughts on this public space initiative.
Trivia: One Park Started It All
Did you know Vancouver's Park Board traces its roots back to 1888, just two years after the city itself was incorporated?
It was originally created to oversee the brand-new Stanley Park, which had officially opened that same year. In 1890, the city established a permanent elected Board of Parks Commissioners, making Vancouver home to what remains the only elected park board of its kind in Canada.
Over the following decades, the Park Board expanded alongside the city, adding beaches, neighbourhood parks, playgrounds, gardens, golf courses, community centres, and recreation facilities that continue to shape daily life in Vancouver today.
Images: (L) One of Vancouver's first bicycle races, held in Stanley Park circa 1890 (R) Vancouver's first Park Board employees
More Community Updates! Thanks For Reading.
PS: Starting a task for just two minutes often makes it much easier to keep going - so try to throw yourself in if you're struggling to get started!
Contests, Competitions, & Awards
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To find more community resources, click here! Also feel free to email me at spencer@bcdisability.com
-Spencer van Vloten
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