Names of candidates running for city council won't be the only thing you'll see on this year's ballot.
Burnaby residents will be asked to answer community opinion questions on the dedication of five park areas. If granted dedication, the land could not be used for purposes other than a park.
"We've done this every year since 1990. It's a powerful protection mechanism that gets the electorate involved," said Dave Ellenwood, director of parks, recreation and cultural services.
The areas the city would like to preserve include Bonsor Park, Cottonwood Park, Stride Avenue Ravine Park, Lou Moro Park and Willingdon Heights Park.
"You'll notice it's spread around, that they're in all four quadrants," he said. "We really try to represent all of Burnaby."
Ellenwood told the NOW this year's dedication list is significantly smaller than its 2011 counterpart, which had more than 10 questions. "We limit the number on there because if people see a list of 30, it's overwhelming and you have a giant ballot which is not practical to anybody."
The process of protecting these areas, which are usually lands acquired by the city, could be handed over to council. Ellenwood, however, argued giving the voting power to the public is much more effective.
"Future city councils could erode these lands. It rarely happens, but it does. It's more powerful to seek a majority of people on the ballot at election time because the only way you can reverse that decision is putting it back on the ballot," he said.
Ellenwood admitted he's very confident each park will get the stamp of approval given the fact it's widely used green space. "I don't think I've ever seen a percentage lower than 90," he added.
Ellenwood encourages residents not to feel intimidated by the questionnaire. A simple tick beside the yes or no box is all that's needed. For more information, visit burnaby.ca.
