Role of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation (formerly Pacific Parklands Foundation) is the only registered charity devoted exclusively to Metro Vancouver Regional Parks in British Columbia. Working alongside Metro Vancouver, it fills gaps in public funding by channeling donations and bequests into grants, awards, and project support that protect ecosystems, enhance park facilities, and increase equitable access to nature for residents across the region.
The Foundation administers several recurring funding streams. These include transportation grants such as the Bus Grant Program and the Seniors in Regional Parks initiative, which remove financial barriers by covering charter buses and program costs so schools, seniors’ groups, newcomers, and community organizations can visit regional parks. It also manages project-based funding like the George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program, which supports hands‑on stewardship activities in parks and greenways through small, medium, and large grants.
Supported audiences and overall impact
Funding targets a wide spectrum of park users and partners: volunteer stewardship groups, Indigenous and community organizations, environmental NGOs, schools and youth groups, seniors’ centres, and other partners active in Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. Youth leadership is a particular focus, with endowed scholarships and awards such as the Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award and the Dr. M. Wosk Environmental Leadership Award providing annual bursaries to environmentally engaged youth.
Since 2000, the Foundation reports investing over $3 million into projects and programs. Its support has enabled field trips for thousands of participants, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, planting of native trees and shrubs, accessibility improvements like boardwalks, and innovative community initiatives delivered with partners such as CTS Youth Society.
General evaluation and accountability
Across its programs, the Foundation emphasizes clear eligibility and accountability. Project funding like the George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program requires that activities occur within a Metro Vancouver regional park or greenway and focus on stewardship outcomes such as habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, trail and access improvements, climate resilience, or stewardship education. Eligible and ineligible expenses are defined, and applicants typically submit a letter of inquiry, application forms, and follow reporting timelines.
Grantees must complete Grant Acceptance and Final Report forms, documenting outcomes, volunteer engagement, expenditures, and recognition of the Foundation’s support. For larger multi‑year stewardship projects, annual reports are expected. Bus and transportation grants also require final reports describing the visit and its benefits. This structured follow‑up ensures that donor funds tangibly improve parks and community access.
History and evolution of the organization
Created in 2000 as Pacific Parklands Foundation by community leaders committed to protecting green space, the organization later adopted the name Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation to reflect its close partnership with Metro Vancouver and its specific regional park mandate. From early major gifts, such as the Wosk family donation, it has built endowments and long‑term funding programs that continue to generate grants, awards, and stewardship investments year after year.