Vancouver approves innovative infrastructure funding model

Vancouver Park Board has approved the Amenity Improvement Fee Framework (AIFF), an innovative, multi-year pilot aimed at generating new revenue to support upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

The AIFF will introduce modest fee increases on select admissions and permits at VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory, Stanley Park Train, Burrard Marina and on park use permits for special events. The incremental revenue generated by the AIFF will be reinvested directly into maintenance and improvements within the same service areas.

Financial sustainability

The AIFF is part of the city’s broader Think Big Revenue Strategy, which focuses on developing new revenue streams to maintain operational and financial sustainability without compromising affordability.

The board reports that the revenue-generating amenities it operates are facing significant funding shortfalls for priority infrastructure improvements. The largely capital funding model, which prioritises subsidised services (for instance, services without a positive net-revenue impact has left some net revenue-generating assets underfunded, such as VanDusen Botanical Garden, Stanley Park Train and Burrard Marina.

“Through Think Big our focus is on reinvesting directly in high-demand facilities and attractions to enhance services, increase visitor experiences and satisfaction, and address deferred maintenance”

Additionally, operating revenues generated through admissions and tickets are fully allocated to cover direct operating costs associated with the revenue service/attraction, with any excess used to support other Park Board service lines without user fees in place (such as park maintenance), leaving no room for reinvestment in improving user experiences.

The board said internal data, combined with a jurisdictional scan, underscores the need for a more sustainable funding approach.